supersport.com brings you a snapshot of how six African-born players performed in the past seven days of the current NBA regular-season.
Here is our look at games played from 22 to 28 February.
Gorgui Dieng
Minnesota Timberwolves (13-45)
1 Win
3 Losses
The Senegalese averaged 7.5 points per game and 8.7 rebounds per game, but the Timberwolves showed little sign of improvement in the Western Conference.
The Wolves (13-45) currently hold the lowest winning mark in the league with just over 20 regular-season games remaining.
Considering the fact that Dieng came off the bench in four games, the former Louisville University ace did well.
After all, the 25-year-old is now playing alongside his childhood hero Kevin Garnett.
Luc Mbah a Moute
Philadelphia 76ers (13-45)
1 Win
2 Losses
Mbah a Moute closed Philadelphia’s three-game run this week with an eye-catching performance.
The Sixers edged out the Washington Wizards 89-81 as the Cameroonian came up with 10 points, 8 boards and four assists to help Philadelphia improve their record 13-45.
Mbah a Moute averaged 7.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in three games.
Luol Deng
Miami Heat (25-33)
2 Wins
2 Losses
Luol Deng made 11 of 14 shots and scored a game-high 29 points to help the Heat set a season high for scoring in a 119-108 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.
The South-Sudan native averaged 20 points in the last four games, and the Heat (25-33) continue their chase for a playoff berth.
Each time Deng scores 20 or more – he did it eight times this season – Miami recorded a 8-0 mark.
“I don’t try to do too much with the ball. As long as the ball moves, we’re a better team. … We’re at our best when the ball is moving,” Deng summed up Miami’s game.
Serge Ibaka
Oklahoma City Thunder – (32-27)
2 Wins 2 Losses
In the absence of Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka and MVP contender Russell Westbrook give the Oklahoma City Thunder the necessary energy to sit among the West playoff contenders.
In four games, the Congolese came up with 17.5 points, 4 blocked shots and 8 rebounds per game.
In Sunday’s 119—94 victory over the Denver Nuggets, Ibaka added 20 points, eight rebounds and eight blocked shots.
Festus Ezeli
Golden State Warriors (45-11)
2 Wins
2 Losses
The Nigerian made the headlines for grabbing the throat of Toronto Raptors centre Tyler Hansbrough during Golden State’s 113-89 victory at Toronto on Friday. As a result, Ezeli received a one-game suspension.
Bismack Biyombo
Charlotte Hornets (23-33)
1 Win
2 Losses
The Lubumbashi native got injured on 24 January, undoubtedly playing the best game of his career.
The 22-year-old was averaging 4.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, and protecting the rim as never seen before.
Biyombo is expected to return to action this week.
