Gilas Pilipinas welcomes the FIBA World Cup. They are one of the three host countries besides Japan and Indonesia. The home nation shares the group with the Dominican Republic, Angola, and Italy. Their opening encounter comes against an NB rival, Minnesota Timberwolves‘ Karl-Anthony Towns. The battle has drawn all the attention to one arena. The previous attendance record has successfully been put to shame. Moreover, there is a legend lurking in the stands watching the thrilling international action.

Germany’s all-time top scorer and NBA icon Dirk Nowitzki was spotted in the crowd during the ongoing FIBA World Cup clash.

Dirk Nowitzki headlines the record-breaking FIBA World Cup Attendance

It was back in 1994 when the attendance record surpassed 32000. It was a game between Team USA and Russia. Since then many believed that number could never be eclipsed. However, basketball is now a global sport. And the Philippines became the perfect ground to display the craze for the sport. The opening match featuring the Dominican Republic and the Philippines is held in the Philippine arena. It is the largest indoor arena in the world capable of holding 55000.

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For today’s game, the reported count has reached 38115, putting the previous record to shame. Moreover, the crowd is hosting a very special guest. A revolutionary basketball legend who paved the way for international players to step into the NBA. None other than FIBA Global Ambassador Dirk Nowitzki. The German basketball phenom is watching the intense game between the Philippines and the Dominican Republic.

Philipines, the home team, is anchored by a young Jordan Clarkson. The former Sixth Man of The Year is a regular participant in international basketball. During the World Cup qualifiers, he averaged 25 points per game. His ingenious offensive production sealed the Philippines’ ticket to the World Cup. As a host nation, they are hoping to begin their campaign with a win in front of a crowd of nearly 39000.

However, Towns and the Dominican Republic stand in their way. After being marred with injuries last season, the Timberwolves star eagerly announced his return to the national side. He suited up for the Dominican Republic for the first time since 2013. According to him, it was the perfect time given his recovery. Additionally, he is also motivated to play for them due to it being his mother’s country. It is his way of paying tribute to one of the most special individuals in his life who, sadly, passed away a few years ago.

“The timing is right. I didn’t put as much stress on my body this last season because of the injury. I’m feeling great now, I’m 100% and feeling like myself again. It’s a perfect time to work on some things in my game”, he said when announcing his decision.

Both these NBA wonder kids are going back and forth in what is a nail-biting contest. With one quarter to go, Clarkson is leading both teams with 24 points to go with 5 rebounds and 6 assists. On the other hand, Towns has fallen victim to foul trouble. He has accumulated 22 points and 6 rebounds.

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Which NBA rival will finish as the victor in front of this record audience? Let us know your honest views in the comments below.