After spending two weeks back in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the first time since fleeing the once war-torn country as a child, Nuggets point guard Emmanuel Mudiay helped represent the NBA in league’s second ever showcase on the African continent (the first game was in 2015).
Though he struggled during his sophomore season in Denver, Mudiay showed that his offseason workouts in what coach Michael Malone has called “the biggest summer of his life” are beginning to pay off. Alongside fellow NBA players with African roots and others from various countries around the world, Mudiay dazzled the sold out crowd in Johannesburg to the tune of 22 points, eight rebounds and nine assists in a near triple-double. He also shot an efficient 52.6 percent from the field (only 2 for 8 from three) while grabbing three steals. Only Team Africa teammate Victor Oladipo scored more points than Mudiay in a game that included All-Stars such as Dirk Nowitzki and DeMarcus Cousins and up-and-coming stars like Kristaps Porzingis. Oladipo ended up taking MVP honors, but Team World won the exhibition by a score of 108-97.
For Mudiay, this was undoubtedly a special experience being able to play the game he loves and help promote the NBA around the world. Check out his impressive highlights below!
