NBA Africa Game 2015

JOHANNESBURG - For the first time in National Basketball Association (NBA) history, an exhibition game is held on the largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg. There only two teams in this exhibition game are Team Africa and Team World. Both team players are all from the NBA, Team Africa's players are only players from Africa (at least 1 parent is from Africa) while Team World are NBA players from around the world.

The game took place on August 1, 2015 in Ellis Park Arena and 22 players participated in the game (12 from Team Africa and 10 from Team World). A noted NBA shot blocker Serge Ibaka should've been able to participate but cannot due to injury, instead he was replaced by 2 legendary NBA shot blockers: 49 year old Dikembe Mutombo and 52 year old Hakeem Olajuwon. Naturally they don't play in the NBA anymore but are allowed to play because this game is just for fun and to raise awareness of Africa to the world.

"I'm glad they [the NBA] did it, everyone could know where I'm from," said Luol Deng, the captain of Team Africa as he was changing into his jersey to play.

The game started of pretty relaxed, there wasn't much defense and the first half of the game Team Africa led Team World by 18 points, 56-38. At the start of the third quarter, Team World's captain Chris Paul decided that he doesn't want to mess around any longer and hits 3 straight 3-pointers to cut the lead. Team World decided to fight even more, as the fourth quarter starts Team World took a 14-0 run against Team Africa.

In the end, Team World wins the game with the score of 101-97, led by Jeff Green's 19 points and Bradley Beal's 18 points. The Most Valuable Player(s) award was given to both team captain Chris Paul (Team World) and Luol Deng (Team Africa) as they showed great sportsmanship in the game.

"I remember growing up here and the closest we got to the NBA was watching games at night. And to have all these great players to play here is like a dream come true. Historical moment, hopefully one of many," said Luc Mbah a Moute, one of the forwards of Team Africa.

Sources:

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPCJRMpx4Y4

- http://stats.nba.com/media/boxscore-africa-game-final-150801.pdf

Written By: Reinaldo Oliver Daniel Yusak - 0000 000 2015