NBA star Kyle Anderson working on his Chinese as team continues preparing for Fiba World Cup

Narrow one-point win over New Zealand on Sunday lifts China to third in SuperCup tournament

Coach Aleksandar Dordevic praises players’ response after 107-58 thrashing at hands of Germany the day before

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Kyle Anderson (left) led the team with 18 points during their win over New Zealand. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 1:44pm, 14 Aug 2023Updated: 1:55pm, 14 Aug 2023

NBA star Kyle Anderson revealed he was learning Chinese so he could communicate better with his new teammates, after helping them to finish third at the SuperCup on Sunday.

In his third game since being naturalised as a Chinese citizen, Anderson finished with a game-high 18 points, powering China to a 69-68 win over New Zealand in Hamburg for their first win since his arrival.

“Really proud of everyone after a tough loss yesterday, just bouncing back and coming out here and competing and playing hard,” the 29-year-old Minnesota Timberwolves forward said.

“We played hard and together. Communicating, being organised, and playing physically have a lot to do with our success today.”

A day after suffering a 49-point blowout loss at the hands of hosts, China, who ranked one place below the world No 26 New Zealand, were again on the back foot right from the start.

China’s Zhou Qi (right) drives to the basket during his side’s 69-68 win over New Zealand. Photo: Xinhua

Trailing 39-31 at half-time, the Chinese tightened up their defence after the restart, reducing the deficit to just four points, 54-50, entering the final quarter.