ang-gernowitzki001.jpg
24/08/2020
News
to read

On this day 14 years ago: Dirk Nowitzki scored 47 points in triple OT triumph over Angola

MIES (Switzerland) - Of the many games that Dirk Nowitzki played for Germany in his glorious career, his performance 14 years ago on this day at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2006 in Japan stands above the rest.

On August 24, Nowitzki, laced up his high-tops, slipped into his No. 14 jersey and ambled onto the Hiroshima Green Arena hardwood before pouring in 47 points as Germany claimed a 108-103 triple overtime victory over Angola.

 

That effort is among the greatest in FIBA Basketball World Cup history.

In a battle of 3-1 teams and with second place in Group B at stake, Nowitzki turned on the style and especially after regulation.

His biggest shot was a three-pointer with just one second remaining in the first overtime that tied the contest and forced a second extra period.

Six seconds remained and Angola led, 83-80. Nowitzki found enough space just outside of the lane to catch an inbounds pass from teammate Mithat Demirel before moving to the left corner.

Nowitzki struggled to shake free from Angola forward Joaquim Gomes but finally, with three seconds left, got a shot off.


Nowitzki had ice running in his veins in the game's biggest moments

The ball sailed through the air and swished to knot the contest.

In the second overtime and with only four seconds left and Angola on top, Nowitzki came to the rescue again. He sank his 11th and 12th consecutive free-throws to tie the game again, at 95-95, and force a third overtime.

A minute into the final overtime, Nowitzki drilled a go-ahead three-pointer from the top of the key. He went to the line five more times, making each of the free-throws.

Nowitzki also had 16 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block in the game.


The victory put Germany into a Round of 16 clash with Nigeria and they eked out a 78-77 victory. Their hopes of a podium finish were extinguished when the United States beat them in the Quarter-Finals.

Nowitzki's 47-point haul against Angola is the stuff of legend.

The tally equalled the scoring of Drazen Petrovic for Yugoslavia against the Netherlands in a World Cup game two decades earlier in Spain.

Korea's Jae Hur had a record 54 points in a 117-115 win over Egypt at the World Cup in 1990. At that same World Cup, Oscar Schmidt of Brazil had 52 in a 100-93 triumph over Australia and Jordi Villacampa torched Venezuela with 48 points in a 122-102 victory for Spain.

Four years before that, Nikos Galis of Greece had 53 in a 110-81 victory over Panama.

FIBA