The Tall Blacks have fallen to a one-point loss to China in Germany, as their World Cup preparations come to a head.
New Zealand were beaten 69-68 by China in the final match of the Super Cup at Hamburg, a tournament that also features Canada and hosts Germany.
The Tall Blacks lost their opening 'semi-final' match 107-76 against Canada, who were led by NBA All Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Spearheaded by Finn Delany, the Kiwis went into the final quarter against China with a four-point lead, but struggled to execute down the stretch, shooting just 2/10 from the field.
Their 21 turnovers also proved costly, none more so than China's steal on the final possession to ice the contest.
China outrebounded the Kiwis 34-30, including 13 offensive boards, and got to the free-throw line a whopping 27 times - compared to just 10 for New Zealand.
The Chinese were led by Minnesota Timberwolves forward Li Kaier - also known as Kyle Anderson - who posted 18 points, five rebounds and four steals.
Delany put up 12 points, five rebounds and five assists for New Zealand, while guard Flynn Cameron added 12 points and four boards.
One encouraging sign for the Kiwis was the return of point guard Shea Ili, who put up five points and six assists in his 10 minutes of action.
The Tall Blacks now head to China for the final phase of their World Cup warm-ups, taking on a Shenzhen China team on August 18, before participating in the FIBA Solidarity Cup from August 20-21, where they face Italy.
They tip off their World Cup against the USA at Manila on August 27.
