Timmins' Tall Blacks fall to Japan in pre-tournament opener

The Tall Blacks, featuring Sydney Kings' Sam Timmins, have fallen to Japan 79-72 in their opening FIBA World Cup warm-up game on Wednesday.

New Zealand roared to a 12-point quarter-time lead but was pegged back by Japan, who had Melbourne United championship winner Yudai Baba in its ranks.

Delany finished the clash with a game-high 16 points and seven boards, while South East Melbourne’s Reuben Te Rangi also outscored every individual on the Japanese side with 15 points - with Timmins adding four points.

GRAB YOUR TICKETS TO THE KINGS' HOME MATCHES NOW

Keisei Tominaga led the scoring for Japan with 13 points.

Japan and New Zealand will face off again on Friday night before New Zealand enters a pre-tournament training camp in Istanbul.

The Tall Blacks will then participate in the FIBA SuperCup against Canada, China and Germany ahead of group-stage clashes with Jordan, Greece and the United States.