Yao makes memorable debut in NBA
Associated Press, San Antonio
Houston's star Chinese import Yao Ming made a memorable NBA debut Wednesday in the Rockets' 80-79 preseason loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
Seconds after entering the game, the 2.26-meter Yao took a pass in the low post and made a decisive move to the basket. But as his outstretched right arm rose above the rim, San Antonio's 2.12-meter (7-foot) Tim Duncan, the league's Most valuable Player last season, slid over and launched the newest Rocket with a hard body bump that left him sprawled on the floor.
"It's about what I thought it would be," Yao said of the physical play after the Spurs rallied for a victory. "I felt like a rookie."
Yao's final tally included six points on 1-for-5 shooting from the field and 4-for-4 from the free throw line, four rebounds, four fouls and three turnovers in 13 minutes.
The first of those points came after Duncan roughed him up. Yao, the league's No. 1 draft pick this year, calmly stepped to the line and made two soft, arching free throws that put the Rockets up 28-23.
Five minutes later, as the second quarter was winding down, Yao returned to his spot near the end of the bench. He had added a fadeaway jumper to those foul shots, helping Houston to a 44-38 halftime lead.
But San Antonio battled back from an 11-point second-half deficit for the win.
Duncan finished with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Stephen Jackson scored 17 points for the Spurs. Cuttino Mobley led the Rockets with 18 points, while Steve Francis added 15 and Eddie Griffin 14.
In Auburn Hills, Michigan, Michael Jordan missed seven of his first eight shots and scored 14 points as Detroit beat him and Washington to finish the preseason undefeated for the first time.
"I felt good, I'm just gradually getting my timing and rhythm back," Jordan said. "Unfortunately, we as a team didn't look that good."
The Pistons (8-0) were led by Richard Hamilton, who scored 15 points against his former team.
Jerry Stackhouse, acquired by Washington for Hamilton as part of a six-player deal last month, scored 11 points after being welcomed with a standing ovation at The Palace.
Jordan played 23 minutes and was 5-of-14 from the field with six rebounds, an assist, a steal and three turnovers. He was in a reserve role, as he is expected to be this season for the Wizards (5-2.)
In Boston, Dirk Nowitzki scored 27 points and Michael Finley added 23 as Dallas beat Boston.
In Denver, Jermaine O'Neal, who was ejected after a fourth- quarter fight with Juwan Howard, scored all 15 of his points in the second half as Indiana beat Denver.
In Phoenix, Stephon Marbury made the winning basket with 1:14 remaining after Chicago's third consecutive turnover as Phoenix defeated the Bulls.
In Los Angeles, Michael Redd scored 30 points, and Sam Cassell had 24 points and 10 assists to lead Milwaukee over Los Angeles.
Ervin Johnson's layup with 4:13 left snapped a 96-96 tie, and Tim Thomas scored the next two baskets to ignite a 19-11 run as the Bucks came from behind to win.
Andre Miller led the Clippers with 21 points, and Chris Wilcox added 15.