[Dallas, TX – August 2nd]
NBA Season continues to break barriers and show how an orange basketball can bring the world together. In the first-ever NBA game on the continent of Africa, Team World overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat Team Africa 101-97 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday.
The Manute Bol Most Valuable Player award was shared by Team World captain Chris Paul and Team Africa captain Luol Deng, who had a quiet 20.
Prior to the highly anticipated exhibition,Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke on the importance of the NBA’s foray into Africa, ” It means a lot for the NBA, but first of all it means a lot for the African people. I can see how excited all these people in South Africa are for this game. I heard it was sold out in nine minutes, and it means a lot moving forward for people out here to see how the NBA works and for a lot of kids here to be here ”
Africa is important for the NBA, which has traveled to the continent 13 times for Basketball Without Borders and opened an office in Johannesburg in 2010.
And even Olajuwon and Mutombo made the trip and it was amazing to see two legends in the NBA on the court for those who were too young to even see them play in live action.
