Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

OKC Thunder: Africa gets some TLC

By Tamberlyn Richardson

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 4: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot #7 of Team Africa shoots the ball against Team World during the 2018 NBA Africa Game as part of the Basketball Without Borders Africa on August 4, 2018 at the Time Square Sun Arena in Pretoria, 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 4: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot #7 of Team Africa shoots the ball against Team World during the 2018 NBA Africa Game as part of the Basketball Without Borders Africa on August 4, 2018 at the Time Square Sun Arena in Pretoria, 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The annual Africa game occurred Saturday August 4, with OKC Thunder wing man Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot showcasing his perimeter prowess.

Basketball Without Borders (BWB) hosted their annual event with the culmination of the week featuring the World versus Africa Game. Pretoria, South Africa provided the hosting services this year and OKC Thunder new team member Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (TLC)  laced them up for Team Africa.

OKC Thunder TLC showing off his wares:

TLC entered the game off the bench and provided Thunder fans with a look at some of his skills the minute he hit the hardwood. The immediate positive was TLC’s perimeter shot showed promise. On the day he connected on three of his eight attempts or 37.5 percent. Yet, the takeaway showcased his form is fundamentally sound. Hey, with an OKC squad desperate for perimeter shooters this is a promising situation.

Cabarrot was earmarked to become a ‘3 and D’ player when he first arrived in the league, but suffered regression this past season. Perhaps more notable was TLC’s overall skill set and his ability to affect the game on many levels. TLC ended the day with 16 points second only to Joel Embiid on team Africa. In addition, he snared 4 rebounds and dished three dimes.

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Since the game featured stars on both sides TLC’s performance shouldn’t be swept aside simply because this was just an exhibition. Several hard fouls were committed and it was clear both sides were desirous of claiming bragging rights.

Other interesting aspects of the game were seeing Luol Deng on the floor. With so few appearances this past season as a Laker I wondered what level his game had regressed to.

Yet, his ability to deek players out of their shoes and his foresight to see a play prior to it occurring remain calling cards for the crafty vet.  One of the BBoyz did make me laugh citing Deng as having a “Dad body” due to his added weight.

Overall these type of events are wonderful for the sport and build goodwill for the NBA around the world. Throughout the week the players interacted with rising talent from the area, conducted camps and charitable efforts with the Nelson Mandela Foundation being among those benefiting.

Danilo Gallinari won the Manute Bol MVP based on his World Team leading 23 points and 8 rebounds. The World won the highly contested game 96-92, Had the Africa side won Joel Embiid would most certainly have claimed the MVP given his game high 24 points.

Full Box Score available on nba.com

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