Nowitzki, Germany defeated by China

Yao Ming scored 25 points to lead China to a dramatic 59-55 win against Dirk Nowitzki and Germany yesterday.

The Houston Rockets center scored the game's first 4 points and was the emotional leader in the pivotal contest, constantly chest bumping teammates and encouraging them with high-fives. Yi Jianlian of the New Jersey Nets added 9 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for China (2-2).

The players celebrated the victory at midcourt as if they had won a medal.

"I'm very happy for the players," said China's Lithuanian-born coach, Jonas Kazlauskas. "It was a difficult game psychologically. We played at home and had to win."

Nowitzki, of the Dallas Mavericks, finished with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Germany fell to 1-3 in Nowitzki's first Olympics.

Lithuania 86, Croatia 73 - Mindaugas Lukauskis scored 20 points to power Lithuania, which trailed after three quarters. Denver Nuggets forward Linas Kleiza added 18 points for Lithuania (4-0). Roko-Leni Ukic scored 13 points to lead Croatia (2-2) and Zoran Planinic added 11.

Argentina 97, Iran 82 - San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili scored 32 points to lead defending champion Argentina (3-1).