Yao Ming sunk 13 points and four rebounds, but the Houston Rockets conceded a 94-92 defeat to the New Orleans Hornets in their first pre-season game on Wednesday.

 

 

Yao Ming prepares for a shot under the hoop, the Chinese small giant proves more unrivaled on the court in the game against the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday, October 10, 2007.

 

Luther Head and Bonzi Wells added 12 and 11 respectively, but Tracy McGrady showed a low form with the new season coming in a month. He only contributed four points and two assists.

 

Rick Adelman copied the lineup with which the Rockets lost to the Utah Jazz in the off-season games in April. But the team made a changeover this time, coasting to a 30-9 lead after the opening quarter.

 

The Rockets' surge continued in the second period but faded in the third when the Hornets cut the lead to 70-66.

 

The Rockets never re-gained command in the fourth quarter as the home side reversed it to clinch a narrow victory.

 

(CRI October 11, 2007)