Basketball: Another big night for China, Yao Ming against Germany

BEIJING — You know that most-watched basketball game of all time between China and the U.S.?

If it’s not already the second-most-watched game of all time, it may be soon.

In a showdown for the last slot, China beat Germany, 59-55, Saturday night behind Yao Ming’s 25 points. At 2-2, the Chinese will make the medal round for the first time, unless Germany, which is 1-3, beats the U.S. Monday.

Yao, the only member of his team in double figures, had called China’s good start against the U.S. “the treasure of the memory of my life.” Now he has an even bigger treasure.

“It’s a big day for China,” said Yao, “but we want more.”

An ecstatic sellout crowd watched the game against Germany in Wukesong Arena. There was cheering in the pressbox and among the Olympic volunteers running the press operation. When China’s Lithuanian coach, Jonas Kazlauskas, arrived in the interview room, the Chinese press applauded.

“It was difficult psychologically,” said Kazlaukas. “We played at home and we could not lose the game.”

Actually, being at home cuts both ways.

In the closing minutes, Germany’s Dirk Nowitzki, who scored 24 points, trying to put his team on his back, was called for walking, wiping out a game-tying 12-footer, and, two possession later, was called for a charge on a drive to the basket.

This was China’s night. If Germany wants to make the medal round, Berlin had better host the Games again.

-- Mark Heisler

Photo: Yao Ming, left, and Jianlian Yi of China celebrate victory over Germany Saturday night. Credit: John G. Mabanglo / EPA