Chinese center Yao Ming scored 32 points and pulled down 10
rebounds to spark the Houston Rockets past the Los Angeles Clippers
108-103.
Rafer Alston added 26 points and eight assists for the Rockets,
who remain without star playmaker Tracy McGrady due to back
spasms.
Yao has been more aggressive in McGrady's absence, but the
Rockets have lost two games in overtime since the guard was
injured, including a 112-101 double-overtime defeat at the hands of
the Los Angeles Lakers here on Friday.
Yao has made a strong case for his fifth All-Star Game start in
as many NBA seasons, averaging 35 points, 14.3 rebounds and 3.6
blocked shots in his past three games.
Houston improved to 15-9, remaining third in the Southwest
division behind San Antonio and Dallas. The Clippers, who lost
their fourth game in a row, fell to 10-13.
(China Daily via AFP December 18, 2006)