Germany enjoyed a flying start of their first Olympic journey in 12 years as they overwhelmed Angola 95-66 in a Group B match of the men's basketball competitions here on Sunday.
Los Angeles Clippers' center Christopher Kaman, who got his German citizenship in July, had 24 points in 18 minutes while Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki adding 23 points and six rebounds in 23 minutes for Germany.
"We knew we needed to win this game. Spain is coming up, so we have to get better as we go," Nowitzki said.
Germany led as many as 78-52 in the first three quarters and coach Dirk Bauermann rested all the starting lineup in the fourth one.
This was Germany's first Olympic appearance as they failed to qualify for the last two editions. Nowitzki was the flag-bearer of the German delegation at the opening ceremony.
Eduardo Mingas had 24 points for Angola, which was beaten up on the board by 39-22.
Angola, a team relying much on their offensive rebounders, grabbed only seven offensive rebounds and scored only three points on second-chance baskets on Sunday.
(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2008)