New Zealand Goes Face-to-Face with Australia While Performing Haka

The Australian Boomers are packed with National Basketball Association talent.

Matthew Dellavedova led the way for the hosts with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Patty Mills and David Anderson each scored 17 points as the Australians eased clear in the latter stages. Needless to say, neither is easily intimidated – a reality the New Zealand national team learned before they tipped-off against Australia in the FIBA Oceanias on Saturday.

The tradition of performing the Haka before New Zealand sporting events was made popular by the All Blacks, the country’s rugby team, which began the practice regularly in 1905. According to Wikipedia, the Haka is “a traditional ancestral war cry, dance, or challenge from the Māori people of New Zealand”. It is from the 2014 FIBA World Cup of Basketball (and James Harden’s expression is priceless).

Playing in front of a 16,000 strong crowd at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, the team held on despite a 22-point effort by New Zealand star Corey Webster.

Unfortunately, the dance didn’t pay off. Australia downed the Kiwis, 71-59. They’ll meet again next Tuesday, affording Bogut and company the opportunity for another awesomely stone-faced acknowledgement of the Haka.