Guns to keep tabs on Kiwis
The NBA superstars of the United States are promising to spend at least some of their first day off at the World Cup in Spain swotting up on the intricacies of Tall Blacks basketball.
The US, hot favourites for the World Cup title, will meet New Zealand in Group C’s third round in Bilbao early tomorrow (NZ time) which means some healthy study for the Americans who have started 2-0 with big victories over Finland and Turkey.
The Tall Blacks, on the other hand, are in a world of hurt at 0-2 and face the almost certain prospect of heading into their final two pool games needing to win them both to have any shot at a spot in the knockout stages.
Naturally, the Americans were not too stressed about the prospect of facing the struggling New Zealanders after taking care of business – eventually – on the second day against Turkey.
After trailing by five at halftime, the Americans poured in 63 second-half points to prevail 98-77 over a game but ultimately over-matched Turkish side. After a brilliantly executed first 20 minutes, the Turks faded in the run home as the US finally found their groove behind Kenneth Faried’s 22 points and right rebounds at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre.
‘‘I have not watched New Zealand,’’ coach Mike Krzyzewski conceded after wrapping up the clash against the Turks.
‘‘We have a day in between, and I’ll watch them.’’
But Krzyzewski admitted their eyecatching first-day efforts against Turkey had at least put the Tall Blacks on his radar.
‘‘I saw the Turkey game, but I was watching Turkey, and it looked like New Zealand should have won, or was in a good position.
‘‘So if they had a chance to beat Turkey, they must be pretty good. We’ll respect them with our preparation, and I know from past competitions [Kirk] Penney is a heck of a player. I’ll know more about them after tomorrow.’’
Star USA guard Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors said he had respect for the New Zealanders based on what he saw them achieve on the opening day.
‘‘We watched the game they played against Turkey, and they played them strong,’’ he said. ‘‘It took Turkey a fortunate comeback down the stretch, so we have to be ready for their energy.
‘‘We don’t know exactly their system yet, but when they play a team like Turkey tough as they did yesterday, and I know they didn’t fare well today, they’ll be a tough opponent. We have to come out focused,’’ he said.