Sport: Basketball Country: Spain Category: Match Previews

Team USA encounters Haka before game against New Zealand in 2014

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 22, 2026, 9:24 AM

Last updated Sep 22, 2026

Team USA encounters Haka before game against New Zealand in 2014

Summary

During the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup on September 2, Team USA faced New Zealand in Bilbao, Spain. Before the game, New Zealand players performed a Haka, a Maori war dance that is traditionally part of their sports culture. The event visibly affected some U.S. players, including Derrick Rose and James Harden, who appeared concerned. Despite the pre-game ritual, Team USA won the match comfortably with a score of 98-71. The Haka remains a memorable moment in the context of international sports rituals.

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Key Details

•The USA played New Zealand in the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
•The Haka was performed prior to the match in Bilbao, Spain.
•Players like Derrick Rose and James Harden exhibited concern during the Haka.
•Team USA won the game, scoring 98 points to New Zealand's 71.

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9:24 AMYahoo Sports — YouTube Gold: Team USA Encounters A Haka

What they're saying

"
Many of you will know what a Haka is, but some may not. For those who don’t, the Haka is an aggressive dance of the Maori people that was later adopted by New Zealand sporting teams. They traditionally start sporting events with a Haka, which occasionally confuses their opponents. Take the 2014 U.S. entry into […]
— Yahoo Sports

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