Yao Ming's fans here in China didn't have to wait long to see their hero in action as he returns to the court following 15 months away from the game rehabbing an injured foot.Yao and his Houston Rockets...taking on the New Jersey Nets at the Wukesong Stadium here in Beijing this evening.
Yao, who represented the Rockets, greeted the home fans, which ignited the crowd as the game got underway. The giant center did live up to expectations over the night before his national fans.
Yao, gradually increasing his form over the pre-season games, scored his first two points of the night with a neat reverse slam dunk, which won big applause. the Rockets took a narrow lead.
The giant center then set up Kevin Martin with a nice pass, and Martin powered up for a slam dunk. Houston were up 18-14 late in the opening quarter
Aaron Brooks drove to the baseline, assisting Chase Budinger at the corner, who cooly knocked down a three as the Rockets closed out a 33-23 first quarter.
Late in the second quarter, Brook Lopez hit a midway jumper, but the Nets trailed with double digit deficit, heading into the locker room.
New Jersey began to fight back in the second half, minutes into the third
Travis Outlaw nailed a jumper, as the Nets closed in for 54-51
seconds left in the quarter
-Terrence Williams danced his way, rounding off and fired a jumper, making it 2 point game, heading into the final stanza.
-early in the final quarter
Yao helped the Rockets stay in contention, He would hit a nice hook shot, as Houston regained a narrow cushion. Yao played around 20 minutes in this game.
And finally Shane Battier hit a basket as Yao Ming's Rockets beat the Nets 91-81.