Team USA vs New Zealand result, highlights: Americans overcome early deficit to earn convincing win

The United States Men's National Team opened the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a 27-point win over New Zealand.

After a rocky first quarter in which it trailed by as many as 10 points, Team USA outpaced its opponent thanks largely to the play of Paolo Banchero, Tyrese Haliburton and Austin Reaves. Banchero had a game-high 21 points, and Reaves had 12 points and six assists. Haliburton had 10 points to go along with four rebounds and three assists.

Team USA moves to 1-0 in Group C and will be back in action on Monday, Aug. 28, when it faces Greece at 8:40 a.m. ET. The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights from Team USA’s convincing win to open the tournament.

MORE: Anthony Edwards adding MJ's signature shot makes him unguardable

Team USA vs New Zealand score

Team USA vs New Zealand live score, updates, highlights

(All times Eastern)

Final: Team USA 99, New Zealand 72

11 a.m. — Here are the highlights from Paolo Banchero's 21-point performance that also included four blocks and rebounds.

Paolo Banchero is 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 guy. 😮‍💨

📊 21 PTS | 4 REB | 4 BLK#FIBAWC x #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/cx6aHO1HOe

— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 26, 2023

10:21 a.m. — Timeout on the floor as Team USA moves closer to its first win of the tournament.

USA 87, New Zealand 70.

While this one is all but over, it's important to remember that point differential is a key stat at the World Cup. The teams will continue to battle through the final horn.

10:15 a.m. — Team USA is maintaining control in the fourth as a deep 3 from Tyrese Haliburton gives the team its largest lead of the game.

USA 85, New Zealand 65. Under six minutes remain in regulation.

Team USA will get this one done after a rocky start.

End of Third Quarter: USA 76, New Zealand 58

10:08 a.m. — Team USA has benefited from a team effort through three.

Paolo Banchero has 17 points to lead the way while Anthony Edwards has 14. Austin Reaves has turned in 12 points to go along with six assists. It's certainly a Strength In Numbers-esque performance from the Steve Kerr-led squad.

One quarter stands between Team USA and a 1-0 start to the tournament.

10:04 a.m. — It's becoming the Paolo show.

Paolo Banchero is getting it done in the third quarter. He is up to a team-high 17 points on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting effort in 14 minutes of action. The Rookie of the Year is looking more and more comfortable in the FIBA setting.

Team USA's lead is up to 18 as the third quarter comes to a close. USA 76, New Zealand 58.

9:56 a.m. — Team USA is beginning to create some distance here.

A transition layup from Austin Reaves gives him 10 points in the game and extends the lead to 15 points.

USA 62, New Zealand 47. 4:24 remaining in the third.

9:50 a.m. — Foul trouble worth keeping an eye on: Mikal Bridges is up to four fouls in the game. As a reminder, a player is disqualified in FIBA with five fouls, so Bridges will need to be careful for the remainder of the game.

Team USA is up 12 with 6:30 left in the third.

USA 56, New Zealand 44.

Halftime: USA 45, New Zealand 36

9:29 a.m. — One half is in the books. After a slow start, Team USA takes a nine-point lead into the break.

Anthony Edwards leads the way for the United States with 10 points and five rebounds in 16 minutes of action. Austin Reaves has added eight points and four assists off the bench.

Team USA is shooting 14 of 30 from the field and 3 of 10 from 3-point range. The difference has been at the free throw line, where the Americans are 14 of 18. New Zealand is just 2 of 4 from the charity stripe.

The Tall Blacks are paced by 11 points from Reuben Te Rangi. As a team, they've shot 6 of 15 from 3, which has kept them around after relinquishing a double-digit lead.

9:22 a.m. — Austin Reaves has been on point in this one. Reaves is up to eight points and has connected on both of his 3-point attempts. He and Anthony Edwards both have eight points to lead the way for the Americans.

Free throws from Jaren Jackson Jr. extend Team USA's lead to seven points as the first half winds down.

USA 41, New Zealand 34. Just over two minutes are left in the half.

9:13 a.m. — It's a quick 5-0 sprint from Team USA in response. The Americans are back out to a four-point lead.

USA 30, New Zealand 26. 6:39 left in the half.

Timeout New Zealand.

9:10 a.m. — After Team USA got out to a four-point lead, a 5-0 New Zealand run has put the Tall Blacks back in the lead.

New Zealand 26, USA 25.

Reuben Te Rangi has been the guy for New Zealand early on. He leads all scorers with 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field. 

End of First Quarter: USA 19, New Zealand 18

9:03 a.m. — A 3-pointer from Austin Reaves puts the USA back in the lead as the quarter winds down, but New Zealand gets to the lane with ease to cut the deficit to one.

After an extremely slow start, Team USA takes a one-point lead into the second quarter.

9 a.m. — Team USA has continued to chip away at the deficit, and things are all tied up after two free throws from Cameron Johnson.

USA 16, New Zealand 16. 48.8 seconds left in the quarter.

8:54 a.m. — We've reached the first break in the action. New Zealand has a six-point lead.

New Zealand 14, USA 8. 3:30 remains in the opening frame.

Team USA has committed six turnovers in the first six-and-a-half minutes of game time. Issues from the exhibition schedule have continued as the tournament begins.

8:49 a.m. — After New Zealand's lead gets out to double digits, Mikal Bridges splits a pair of free throws to cut it back to nine.

New Zealand 14, USA 5. 4:50 left in the first.

New Zealand couldn't ask for a much better start. Shea Ili is getting to the lane at will. He has four points and two assists in the game.

8:45 a.m. — It's a quick start for New Zealand, which has come out of the gate firing.

New Zealand 9, USA 2. Just over three minutes have passed in the opening quarter. Team USA needs to shake some early jitters off.

Pregame

8:37 a.m. — Starting for New Zealand: Reuben Te Rangi, Finn Delany, Shea Ili, Yannick Wetzell and Jordan Ngatai.

8:30 a.m. — New game, same starting lineup for Team USA, which will go with Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, Brandon Ingram, Mikal Bridges and Jaren Jackson Jr.

8:20 a.m. — About 20 minutes from tip off in Manila and Team USA is going through its final preparations. The road to gold for the World Cup favorites is set to begin shortly.

What channel is Team USA vs New Zealand on?

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 26
• TV channel: ESPN2
• Live stream: ESPN+ | Courtside 1891 | Sling TV

Team USA vs New Zealand will air on ESPN2. Viewers can also stream FIBA Basketball World Cup games on ESPN+, Courtside 1891 or Sling TV.

Courtside 1891 offers two subscriptions. Courtside 1891 Plus is free and gives you access to "extended highlights and a curated feed for your favorite teams and competition." Courtside 1891 Max is a paid subscription that allows you to watch "live game streams and full game replays."

If you just want to watch the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, you can buy a pass for the entire tournament for $9.99. An annual pass, which includes the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and other international competitions, costs $44.99. Use code TSN10WC to receive a 10 percent discount.

Geo-restrictions may apply to certain regions. Click here to find out which games are available in your region.

Fans in the U.S. can watch the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Sling TV, which is now offering half off your first month! You can stream the sports you love starting at just $20 in your first month with Sling Orange, which includes ESPN2.

What time is Team USA vs New Zealand today?

• Date: Saturday, Aug. 26
• Time: 8:40 a.m. ET | 5:40 a.m. PT

Team USA vs New Zealand will tip off around 8:40 a.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 26. The game will be played in the Philippines.

Team USA roster for 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup

Team USA schedule at 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup

Team USA will be part of Group C at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The Americans will face Greece, Jordan and New Zealand in the group stage and play their games in the Philippines.

When is the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?

• Dates: Aug. 25-Sept. 10
• Locations: Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines

The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will begin on Friday, Aug. 25. The group stage will take place in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines.

The championship game will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10.