Rewind: Team USA reacting to New Zealand performing the ‘haka’ at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup

While the 2024 version of Team USA continues to prepare for2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, one video that’s consistently posted all over social media any time basketball is being played on the World Stage is from the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The United States won the gold medal at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which was held in Spain. The 24-team tournament was held from August 30 to September 14, and the victory automatically qualified the U.S. into the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. 

Team USA faced New Zealand in the Group Phase (Group C) and before the game, the New Zealand Team performed the “Haka” in front of Team USA, leaving American players completely confused as to what was happening. 

Team USA reacts to New Zealand performing Haka:

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The reactions from Derrick Rose and James Harden specifically were absolutely hilarious. I have never seen two faces more confused in my life. 

Not to mention, Team USA went on to win the game in blowout fashion by a final score of 98-71 which makes the entire ordeal even funnier. 

Team USA advanced to the knockout phase after starting the tournament 5-0 during the group stage. They were an undefeated 9–0 in the tournament, winning by an average margin of 33.0 points. 

They defeated Slovenia in the quarterfinals 119-76, followed by a 96-68 victory over Lithuania in the semifinals. Against Serbia in the finals, the United States won 129-92 to win the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. 

Kyrie Irving was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. 

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