Dirk Nowitzki scored 16 points to lead Germany to a 104-68 win over Cape Verde in its opening game of Olympic qualification Tuesday.
Canada lost to Slovenia 86-70 in the twelve-team tournament that will send three teams to the Beijing Olympics.
The Dallas Mavericks' Nowitzki led Germany with 16 points and five rebounds. American-born Chris Kaman scored 10 points in the Los Angeles Clippers' players debut for Germany. He's glad his teammates speak English and have welcomed him as their fellow player.
The problem is I don't speak any German, the 26-year-old said. I'm excited to be here ... These guys have been playing together for 10 years now. They've been very welcoming. It reminds me of college.
Jaka Lakovic scored 19 points in Slovenia's second straight win at the tournament.
