Nowitzki, Germans Give U.S. a Game

Steve Wyche of the Washington Post reports that not only is Germany’s Dirk Nowitzki the best player at the World Championships, he was almost good enough to beat Team USA all by himself.

The Dallas Maverick forward scored 34 points and actually had his German team in the lead in the third quarter against the Americans. Team USA's Paul Pierce rose up when Nowitzki wore down and the U.S. squad emerged from a prolonged scare to defeat Germany, 104-87.

Pierce finished with 26 points, scoring 15 of those during the third quarter when Team USA went from a 67-65 deficit to a 77-67 lead entering the fourth quarter. "In the first half I was frustrated with the way I was playing," said Pierce. "The first half I settled for the three-pointer instead of driving to the basket. I'm able to adjust in the middle of the game and I was able to get going, give my team some confidence, give them some momentum."

In the fourth quarter, the Americans pulled away racing to a 22 point lead as Nowitzki ran out of gas. After three quarters of carrying the German team, he could only muster four points on free throws in the fourth. "Dirk's the one, two and three option on that team," said U.S. forward Michael Finley, who had 21 points. "We just wanted to eliminate his touches [in the second half]. We knew when he got the ball good things were happening for him so we tried to deny him the ball and when he got it, contest it."

The United States (2-0) will play its first-round finale Saturday against China, which defeated Algeria 96-82 tonight behind 38 points, 13 rebounds and 8 blocked shots by 7-foot-5 center Yao Ming. Though China isn't expected to test the United States like Germany did, U.S. Coach George Karl said, "I think we're going to be in two, three, four more games like this."

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Nowitzki, Germany too much for China

Art Garcia of the Fort Worth Star Telegram reports that Dirk Nowitzki may be the best player at the World Championships… and China would probably agree. Nowitzki scored 30 popints to lead German over China 88-76.

Nowitzki hit 10 of 18 field goals, 9 of 9 from the free throw line and grabbed 9 rebounds as well. "To guard Dirk Nowitzki completely I don't think is realistic," China coach Wang Fei said. "But you hope when you are guarding him, you can limit his scoring chances."

Houston’s number one draft pick, China’s Yao Ming was hampered by foul trouble and Germany’s aggressive post play. He only played 17 minutes, but scored 16 points with 5 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.

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Willis signs with Spurs

The Associated Press reports: The San Antonio Spurs, who have dealt away most of their backup big men from last year, have signed veteran Kevin Willis to play behind starting center David Robinson.

The Spurs did not disclose the terms of the deal.

Willis, who turns 40 on Sept. 6, has played for six teams in his 18-year NBA career. In 2001-02, he was with the Houston Rockets, averaging 6.1 points and 5.8 rebounds while playing in 52 games.

The 7-foot, 245-pound Willis has also played for Atlanta, Miami, Golden State, Toronto and Denver.

For his career, he has averaged 13.1 points and nine rebounds per game.

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