By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
MANILA, Philippines – In the very last seconds of the fourth quarter during the clash between New Zealand and Jordan, the whole crowd in the Mall of Asia arena was shouting “Kobe, Kobe, Kobe”.
The reason why belongs in the fact that Rondae Hollis-Jefferson seemed possessed, replicating the beloved Los Angeles Lakers superstar moves on the court to almost bring Jordan the win in overtime against New Zealand. However, a 95-87 loss was the final result.
The former Toronto Raptors and Portland Trail-Blazers small forward ended the game with 39 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists while shooting 12/24 from the field and 14/18 at the charity stripe. Most importantly, he forced overtime with an outstanding and-one three-point play.
On New Zealand’s side, instead, Izayah Le’Afa helped with 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Finn Delany added 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Shea Ili had a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.
“Tough game against Jordan, they’ve got a great couple of players who played exceptionally tonight. They felt they needed to stop some of my players. Good foul on that four-point play, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson pretty much got them into overtime”, Head Coach Pero Cameron.
Talking once more about Jordan, the American-native player was assisted by Freddy Ibrahim, who flirted with a double-double of 22 points and 9 assists, and by veteran Ahmad Dwairi, who had 19 points and 9 rebounds while shooting 9/12 from the field.
“He’s an amazing player. Since he joined us, he’s been getting better and better. To see him kind of shine, it’s what you expect from an NBA-caliber player. He’s very patient with me, he always gives me tips. It’s an honor to share the court with him, being his playmaker. He’s a great person and a great player”, Freddy Ibrahim commented in the post-game press conference.
It was a close game with New Zealand having the 21-18 lead in the first quarter and a 9-point advantage (46-37) at halftime. The Tall Blacks managed to get even a double-digit lead (50-40) momentarily, but Jordan reacted and made it a five-point game (51-46). The third period closed with New Zealand having the advantage (65-57), however, they couldn’t relax a bit.
A three by Reuben Te Rangi, which at the time was the 11th in 21 attempts for the Tall Blacks, pushed the lead over 10 (70-58) for the first time. Jordan didn’t let the game slip away and with a furious 16-5 run trimmed the lead of New Zealand to one point (75-74) with five minutes left. They completed the comeback with that amazing Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s play. However, with a 10-2 run in OT, the Tall Blacks stood tall at the end.
PHOTO CREDIT: 2023 FIBA World Cup
Watch the upcoming World Cup on the official streaming service of FIBA! Join Courtside 1891 and never miss a second of the action!
Read all the latest news from the basketball world