Greece beat New Zealand in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China on Thursday morning, 103-97. Milwaukee Bucks superstar and 2018-19 NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo finally decided to show up in the World Cup, notching 24 points in the winning effort while going to the free-throw line 15 times.
The win allowed Antetokounmpo to take his national team squad to the second round where he will have to take on the likes of Team USA, Brazil, and the Czech Republic.
But before this advancing win, the Kiwis decided to put on a display of national pride, one that is always fun to watch on video. Before the things got tipped off, New Zealand did a traditional Māori Haka dance in front of their Greek competitors.
Typically thought of as a war dance of intimidation, New Zealand’s Haka just about worked. They only lost to the Greeks by six points, and Steven Adams isn’t even on their roster for this contest.
Check out the video of the Haka above.