New Zealand Basketball Team's Haka Dance Baffles Team USA
U.S. players paused during their warmups, amused and intrigued.
— -- New Zealand's basketball team chanted and posed, stomping forward and stamping the court in a traditional haka dance.
The U.S. players paused during their warmups, amused and intrigued.
The scene played out before Tuesday’s FIBA Basketball World Cup matchup.
U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said his team was aware of the ritual and they lined up to face midcourt as the New Zealand players got into their formation.
"We actually were going to shake hands with them afterwards because we knew that that was a really neat thing to do and it's part of their tradition, and we admire that," Krzyzewski said.
After the dance concluded, the United States players clapped, then focused on the ensuing game, winning 98-71.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.