Yao Ming shrugged off the first-quarter exit of fellow NBA
All-Star Tracy McGrady on Saturday to lead Houston to an 81-63 home
victory over Cleveland.
Yao recorded 24 points and four blocks and Chuck Hayes grabbed
13 rebounds for the Rockets, despite the fact that McGrady finished
the night with only seven points in just 11 minutes.
McGrady suffered concussion in the first quarter after being
elbowed by teammate Dikembe Mutombo with 1:13 left.
After sitting on the bench for several minutes, McGrady tried to
walk to the locker room under his own power before his legs buckled
and an assistant had to support him.
Houston closed the first half with a commanding 16-2 surge. Yao
netted 10 during the run, which provided a 43-29 advantage at
intermission. Houston outscored Cleveland 20-10 in the second
period.
Superstar LeBron James scored 21 points on just 7-of-22 shooting
for the Cavaliers, who shot a dismal 28 percent.
On Friday, Yao Ming was named the Western Conference Player of
the Month for November, the first time in his NBA career. Yao
averaged 25.7 points - including 11 consecutive 20-point contests -
and 10.1 rebounds for the Rockets, who went 10-5 in the month.
Houston went 8-1 when Yao - the No. 1 pick in 2002 - led them in
scoring.
Center Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic was named the Eastern
Conference Player of the Month after averaging 17.1 points on 57.6
percent shooting and a league-best 13.6 rebounds.
(Source: Shenzhen Daily/agencies December 4, 2006)