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Tall Blacks suffer reality check in heavy loss to Canada

August 20, 2019

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As far as reality checks go, this was a big one, with the MBO Tall Blacks bounced 122-88 by a sharp shooting Canadian side in the first of two internationals in Sydney as both teams prepare for the FIBA World Cup in China.

The Tall Blacks were slow out of the blocks, and despite surging on a 13-2 run to lead 13-12 midway through the first quarter, Canada quickly extended on the back of some deadly three point shooting and less than adequate defence by the New Zealanders, with Canada leading by 19 at the first break.

The second quarter saw little change, with Canada scoring at will and the Tall Blacks struggling for their hallmark energy and commitment, leading to an honest and blunt talk from their Head Coach Paul Henare at halftime.

The second half was an improvement, with the New Zealanders at one point reducing the margin back to below 20 after it had ballooned to 30 plus, before a late spree by Canada saw them extend again to round out a disappointing night for the New Zealanders.

Henare was full of praise for the Canadians, who shot the three at 45% and overall at an impressive 55% from the floor.

“I don’t know if it was a step backwards, but it was a step up in terms of what we faced in Canada. The athleticism they bring, the spacing and the intensity they play with took us by surprise and unfortunately we didn’t react in the appropriate manner and allowed too many easy points.

“The beautiful thing is we know exactly what is in front of us now, as much as we talk about it and try and prepare, sometimes there is nothing like a smack in the face and having a bit of a reality check. We will take our lashings, evaluate and move forward.”

By contrast New Zealand’s struggles at the defensive end seemed to flow into offence, with the team shooting the three at 33% and overall made just 29 of their 78 looks at the basket. Rob Loe found his range from deep in that second half improvement, draining 5 of 9 on the way to 17 points, while Tai Webster showed off his all-court game with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.

Henare and his coaching staff will have a busy night dissecting the tape and preparing the team to go again tomorrow night against the same opposition in the same venue, knowing that they will need huge improvement across the board.

“There are always things you can improve on at both ends, but the glaringly obvious one is defense and how we leaked so many easy points. They shot the ball well but a lot of those shots were unchallenged and at this level you can expect teams to knock those ones down. Hopefully in terms of reviewing everyone will have that same gut reaction across the board, coaches, players and staff. But we will watch the tape and look for the clear evidence and wait on judgement until then.”

Amidst a disappointing performance was a remarkable debut for 17-year-old Taine Murray. The Rosmini student took the court in the final minutes in front of his father and sister who had boarded a flight out of Auckland at the last minute, with Henare aware of how much it meant to a young player that has impressed so much throughout his time in camp and on tour.

“It was something we were discussing as coaches towards the end of the game. That first cap is a special moment and while the game is not one he will remember; the moment is something special with some of his family having made the trip over at the last minute to share it with him.”

MBO Tall Blacks 88 (T Webster 19, Loe 17, Fotu 17, C Webster 13)

Canada 122 (Best 20, 17 Nembhard, 16 Brissett)

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