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Dirk Nowitzki, Salah Mejri Perform in NBA Africa Game

By Evan Siegel

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 5: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of Team World looks on during the game against Team Africa in the 2017 Africa Game as part of the Basketball Without Borders Africa at the Ticketpro Dome on August 5, 2017 in Gauteng province of Johannesburg, South Africa. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 5: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of Team World looks on during the game against Team Africa in the 2017 Africa Game as part of the Basketball Without Borders Africa at the Ticketpro Dome on August 5, 2017 in Gauteng province of Johannesburg, South Africa. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Dirk Nowitzki and Salah Mejri squared off in the international friendly Saturday afternoon in Johannesburg.

Team World defeated Team Africa in the NBA Africa game Saturday by a final tally of 108-97.

Team World boasted a roster featuring several NBA stars such as Dirk Nowitzki, Kristaps Porzingis, C.J. McCollum, and Demarcus Cousins among others. Team Africa had no shortage of talent either, being led by Victor Oladipo and Serge Ibaka. The game thrilled the international fans who were looking to get a glimpse of the stars of the NBA who most definitely delivered a captivating performance.

Two Dallas Mavericks played in the game. Dirk Nowitzki suited up for Team World, while Salah Mejri helped man the center position for Team Africa. While Team World threw various NBA stars at Team Africa, they responded by rolling out NBA household names such as the aforementioned Serge Ibaka and Victor Oladipo as well as Clint Capela and Thabo Sefolosha.

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Dirk Nowitzki scored three points as he only shot 1/4 from the field. Salah Mejri added two rebounds as well as a steal and a block.

Neither team was truly able to pull away from the other for the majority of the game, as the various NBA stars clashed in the international friendly. Victor Oladipo was named the MVP of the game, scoring twenty-eight points while grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out five assists.

Jaylen Brown surprised the crowd and led the World in scoring with fifteen points. Andre Drummond and Kristaps Porzingis each had fourteen points as well, splitting time at the center position.

Kyle Lowry, Kemba Walker, and DeMarcus Cousins also reached double figures. Porzingis and Oladipo led their teams in minutes played, with twenty-seven and thirty-seven.

See full box score here.

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This game was the first competitive basketball played by both Dirk Nowitzki and Salah Mejri since the season ended. The German and the Tunisian faced off before they prepare to embark on another interesting season, this one being the first in a long line of rebuilding years.

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