USA vs New Zealand

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The United States enters the Mundobasket tournament with an impeccable record during the preparation phase. They participated in five games and emerged victorious each time. They defeated Puerto Rico, Slovenia, Spain, Greece, and Germany. In their most recent match against Germany, they rallied from a 16-point deficit, demonstrating their distinct character.

Among the standout performers in the preparation games were the All-Star trio comprising Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jaren Jackson Junior. The team's leadership is held by Bobby Portis, the most experienced player in the squad. Under the guidance of coach Steve Kerr, known for his championship background, and fueled by players eager to prove themselves, notably Austin Reaves, it's evident that the team is focused on a singular goal. That goal is to surpass their previous showing in the FIBA World Cup, where they finished in a disappointing seventh place, marking their worst historical performance.

Despite media attempts to downplay this team's potential, the young players possess a certain flair. They are determined to exhibit their strength from the very beginning, regardless of the opponent. It's crucial to note that the upcoming Olympic Games are on the horizon, featuring the crème de la crème of NBA players. For the individuals on this team, this is a prime opportunity to showcase their talents to Coach Kerr. Each player aspires to earn a spot in the Olympic Games roster.

On the other hand, New Zealand encountered six preparatory games ahead of the FIBA World Cup. Their victories were limited to matches against Japan and Shenzhen. They faced defeats from Japan, China, Italy, and Canada.

The absence of brothers Tai and Corey Webster due to personal reasons posed a challenge for the New Zealand team. The duo of Finn Delany and Yani Wetzell from Berlin Alba are expected to lead the national team. Teuren De Rangi also holds a significant role in this composition, while Flynn Cameron, son of the legendary Pero Cameron (the team's head coach), assumes the starting point guard position.

In the group featuring New Zealand, the USA, Jordan, and a weakened Greece, the motivation to compete against the world's best is undeniable. However, there's skepticism about New Zealand's ability to counter their opponents' formidable offensive prowess. It's clear that this is an uphill battle for them.

The USA unveiled a roster of 12 players for the FIBA World Cup several months ago, with everyone available and free from injuries. Conversely, New Zealand faced setbacks due to the absence of the Webster brothers and Steven Adams, reportedly for personal reasons.

As a prelude to the match, the famous "Haka" performance is anticipated. The United States is indisputably the favorite, with bookmakers refraining from assigning odds to the potential winner of the match. The USA's strength lies in each player's eagerness to shine on the global stage. Due to these factors, it's anticipated that New Zealand will struggle to score more than 76 points against their formidable rivals.

Facing a challenging start to their FIBA World Cup journey, New Zealand is set to encounter the favored USA team on August 25. After a series of successful warm-up games, Steve Kerr's squad enters the group stage with high momentum, aiming for three more victories.

Throughout their preparatory matches, New Zealand experienced difficulty in gaining traction, losing four out of five games. Their sole triumph was against Japan. Possessing a roster primarily composed of NBL talent, New Zealand might find it challenging to contain the USA's explosive offense and sharp perimeter shooting.