Two of Israel’s leading stars took centre stage in the NBA when Omri Casspi and Gal Mekel went head to head in the second game of the season.

Houston Rockets star Casspi scored 12 points in the 113-105 win over Dallas Mavericks before limping off with a twisted ankle. Rookie Mekel contributed 11 points for the Mavericks.

Casspi said: “Gal played a great match, I am very happy for him. I think this game was a badge of respect for Israeli basketball, we both played many minutes.”