Second-ranked Team USA started their quest for a record sixth basketball World Cup crown by overcoming a slow start against New Zealand to win 99-72 in Manila.
"The whole second unit really came in and righted the ship after the slow start," Team USA coach Steve Kerr told a press conference.
The Tall Blacks led 14-4 in the first quarter while the United States battled turnovers and missed shots.
Team USA face Greece on Monday and Jordan on Wednesday.
Spain, FIBA's number one team, aim to be the fourth nation with back-to-back crowns and win at least three World Cup trophies.
Persons:
Austin Reaves, Lisa Marie David Acquire, Steve Kerr, Jordan, Willy Hernangomez's, Rondae Hollis, Luka Doncic, Neil Jerome Morales, Ken Ferris
Organizations:
Basketball, FIBA, Asia Arena, Rights, FIBA Basketball, USA, New Zealand, Blacks, United States, Los Angeles Lakers, Team USA, Spain, Jordan, NBA, Dallas Mavericks, Thomson
Locations:
United States, America, New Zealand, Asia, Manila, Philippines, Spain, New, Jakarta, Ivory, Brazil, Iran, Puerto Rico, South Sudan, Americas, Greece, Serbia, China, Okinawa, Georgia, Cape, Slovenia, Venezuela, Europe, Africa, Oceania