Dikembe Mutombo and Hakeem Olajuwon Play In NBA's First Game In Africa

The NBA hosted their first ever exhibition game in Africa on Saturday. Team World played against Team Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa. Basketball Hall of Famers Dikembe Mutombo and Hakeem Olajuwon even made surprise appearances to play on the court. Ultimately, Team World won 101-97.

Team Africa was made up of players born in Africa or with African heritage, including Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo and Golden State Warriors' Festus Ezeli. Miami Heat's Luol Deng was the captain.

Over on Team World, Los Angeles Clippers' Chris Paul served as captain. His team included Boston Celtics' Marcus Smart and Memphis Grizzlies' Marc Gasol.

Mutombo, at 49-years-old, and Olajuwon, at 52-years-old stripped down to throwback uniforms for the Rockets and Nuggets to play in the second quarter. Olajuwon show his signature "Dream Shake" jumper, to the delight and awe of the current players.

"I told Dream, if he's still moving like that at his age now, I couldn't imagine him in his day," Paul, who shot 12 points, said.

Team World stepped it up in the second half of the game to come up with the win.

Cheerleaders and mascots from various NBA teams were at the game, performing and charging up the fans.

The athletes took advantage of their time in Africa, visiting Nelson Mandela's house and going on safari.

The exhibition game was part of a larger effort from the NBA to expose more people in Africa to the sport and the opportunities it represents. They also hosted Basketball Without Borders to help build up grassroots efforts on the continent. At Basketball Without Borders, NBA coaches and players host a series of sessions and clinics on things like health and wellness, leadership and life skills.

Gorgui Dieng of the Minnesota Timberwolves started out in Basketball Without Borders, leading to his NBA career. He went back this year to lead drills and sessions.

"Today I feel lucky to be back and talk to these kids," Dieng said.