USA basketball stood expressionless in front of New Zealand, mesmerized as they watched their opponents perform their traditional war dance, The Haka. Like warriors preparing for battle, the Tall Blacks stomped and yelled at their opponents, displaying their passion and tradition through facial expressions and body language. Fueled by the Haka, the game was tight at the start, but the US cranked it up and pulled away later in the first quarter, eventually winning the game 98 – 71.
No matter the score, the display of heart through the Haka is something that everyone will be talking about, and sharing, for a while.
