Germany claimed the 12th and final berth in the Olympic men’s basketball tournament, defeating Puerto Rico 96-82 Sunday at Athens.
Croatia and Greece clinched spots a day earlier.
Dallas Mavericks standout Dirk Nowitzki had 32 points for the Germans. Mavs teammate Jose Barea topped Puerto Rico wit 18 points.
Germany and Greece go into Group B for the Beijing Olympics, joining China, Team USA, Spain and Angola.
For Croatia, it’s Group A, joining Iran, Lithuania, Argentina, Russia and Australia.
The top four teams from each group will qualify for the quarterfinals.
The Olympics open Aug. 8. Men’s basketball begins Aug. 10, with the gold-medal game on Aug. 24, closing day of the Games.
Odysseus had Sirens to tempt him.
For me, the Olympics always call. Beijing 2008 marks my 10th Olympics as a writer and, no, I can’t get enough. 
