The Tall Blacks have rallied from a seven-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Croatia 90-86 at their Olympic qualifying tournament in Athens.
New Zealand secured the last 11 points of the game - guard Corey Webster top-scored with 21.
Croatia were held to seven points in the final stanza.
A win over Slovenia tomorrow would send them to the last-four knock-out stage.
One game spot is available at the six-team tournament.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.