WATCH: Throwback video of New Zealand players performing haka in front of USA basketball team

As the Paris Olympics 2024 event is underway, fans are thinking back on special moments from past Olympic basketball competitions. One memorable moment is the New Zealand national team's stirring pre-game haka, which became well-known when a video from the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup went viral. NBA players from Team USA were stunned when they saw the video, which has been making the rounds on social media once more, showing the New Zealand "Tall Blacks" performing their customary haka dance.

The haka, an ancient Mori combat dance with muscular gestures and shouting, symbolizes a tribe's strength, togetherness, and pride. The viral video shows the New Zealand players applauding and stamping their feet before the match against the United States, causing a combination of enthusiasm and surprise.

In the video, the New Zealanders look down on their American opponents before doing their traditional haka dance. Stomping the court and chanting in unison is quite a spectacle. Derrick Rose, Stephen Curry and James Harden were stunned by the performance.

Watch here the video:

Team USA’s reaction to New Zealand performing the Haka in 2014. 😂



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Haka is cultural identity of the New Zealand team

Several viewers noted in the comments section of the video that the USA team finally triumphed over New Zealand by a score of 98-71. Someone commented, "Of course, the US won by 27," while someone another said, "They had no energy to play basketball after this performance."

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The significance of the haka extends beyond the realm of sports, regardless of the outcome of the match. It's a powerful declaration of pride in their cultural identity for the New Zealand team. The film acts as a reminder of the many distinctive traditions that enhance the sports world and bring spectators life-changing experiences.

As Paris Olympics 2024 the talks around haka are back. This viral video captures the worldwide attraction of sports by combining other cultures into a gripping tale that goes beyond the happenings on the court.