The opponent in the semi-finals! New Zealand s lineup is too strong: NBA 47 pick leads, Zhou Qi s former teammates are on the list

In the early morning of August 15, in the quarter-quarter knockout round of the men's basketball team in the Asian Cup, New Zealand defeated Lebanon and got the last ticket to the semi-finals. In this way, New Zealand will become the opponent of the Chinese men's basketball team in the semi-finals. As the saying goes, knowing yourself and your enemy, you will win every battle. If the Chinese team wants to defeat New Zealand and strive for the championship and runner-up, they must be very familiar with New Zealand's playing style, lineup and style. Let's analyze the composition of New Zealand's lineup this year and their main characteristics. Semi-final opponent! New Zealand's lineup is too strong: NBA No. 47 pick leads, and Zhou Qi's former teammates are on the list!

New Zealand is the second favorite to win the Asian Cup, and their terrifying offensive and defensive rhythm makes other teams feel very uncomfortable. He averaged 100.5 points per game, ranking first in all teams, higher than Australia. The offensive mercury poured into the ground, the defense was airtight, New Zealand won consecutive victories, and its morale was also very high. In the group stage, they beat Taipei China with a score difference of 40 points, and completed a 22-point reversal against Lebanon in the knockout stage. Whether it is absolute strength or team resilience, New Zealand is unfathomable.

In addition to integrity, New Zealand's arrow characters' abilities are also very exaggerated. The leader of this New Zealand team is 23-year-old Mojave King, a shooting guard, 196cm tall, and has ignited the team in the NBA G League. Many people are not familiar with him, but he is a serious second-round pick in the NBA. In the 2023 NBA Draft, the Lakers selected him with the No. 47 draw, but Mojave King did not choose to join the NBA at that time, but returned to the local league NBL. His signing rights were then sent to the Pacers, and in June this year, he was sent to the Pelicans.

Mojave King's ability is so terrifying. In four games this year, he averaged 18.5 points, 3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 steals in 28 minutes. He had an offense and defense, with a shooting percentage of 54%, and a three-point shooting percentage of 45.3%. His only shortcoming was free throws, which was only 64.2%. In the quarter-final defeat of Lebanon, he scored 23 points, of which he contributed 16 points in the second half, 9 points in the last quarter, and saviors alone, which was very powerful. Mojave King was selected by the NBA. Needless to say, his talent was, after watching four games, he was indeed a rare genius. He was young and able to play, so strong.

In addition to Mojave King, New Zealand also has Zhou Qi's former teammate Milner. He and Zhou Qi have been teammates in the NBL Phoenix team. Milner contributed 13 points in the first game of the group stage and the quarter-finals. He is a stable starter and a veteran with a calm style of play. In addition, there are also candidates selected for the last Asian Cup All-American Team, 32-year-old Ngata, a bearded player, the first one on the left picture below. In the last Asian Cup, New Zealand won the third place, and Ngata was selected into the best team. In the second game of the group stage, he made 7 of 8 shots, 5 of 5 three-pointers, and 3 of 3 free throws, scoring 22 points, which was very strong.

In addition to the three mentioned above, New Zealand has another striker, Britt, who is also very good at playing and has won the Best Newcomer Award in the NBL. He scored 21 points, 19 points and 14 points in three games in the group stage of the men's basketball team in the Asian Cup this year, and his attack firepower is not weak. Therefore, facing New Zealand in the semi-finals, the Chinese men's basketball team really needs to have a "dog-dog" mentality, fight and play with the opportunity. In fact, our cards are not weak either. Wang Junjie has made a sudden appearance, averaged 13.8 points per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 61.5%, Hu Jinqiu averaged 16.8 points per game in the basic market, and there are calm captain Zhao Rui, defensive player Gao Shiyan, and Yu Jiahao, with absolute height in the inside. The Chinese team has a chance in the semi-finals. Come on, boys!