BEIJING — Spain and Pau Gasol had said too much was being made about controversial photo the team did for an ad campaign and Thursday they played like it in a 72-59 victory against Germany.

Gasol, the Los Angeles Lakers center, scored 13 points for Spain, which was cheered by the crowd at the basketball arena.

There was no indication Spain had been affected by criticisms of an ad running in Spanish newspapers showing all 15 members of the team using their fingers to apparently make their eyes look more Chinese. A spokeswoman for the International Olympic Committee on Wednesday called the photo "clearly inappropriate" but said the team had intended no offense and apologized.

The OCA, an organization representing Asian-Pacific Americans, also found the photo disturbing.

Spain's coach Aito Garcia said he had had nothing to do with the ad and had not even seen the photo. But he grew testy when pressed by a reporter on whether the controversy had posed a distraction to his players.

"I can't understand this. Who's discussing this? You're discussing this," Garcia responded.

Toronto Raptors guard Jose Manuel Calderon led Spain with 15 points and Alex Mumbru added 14 points.

Spain double- and even triple-teamed Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks. Nowitzki finished with 11 points. Germany plays China Saturday and Spain faces the United States.