Chinese goliath Yao copes with highs and lows of NBA grind

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2003

DENVER, Colorado (AFP) — Chinese center Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets are learning the hard way about the grind of playing road games on back-to-back nights in the National Basketball Association.

Just 24 hours after a thrilling 99-87 upset of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Rockets squandered a 16-point lead and lost to Denver 95-94 here Friday, the Nuggets taking their only lead of the game with eight seconds remaining.

Yao, who was in foul trouble much of the time in a solid showing against Shaquille O'Neal and the Lakers, committed only two fouls against the Nuggets, contributing 12 points and 10 rebounds in 32 minutes.

But Yao was critical of himself after the game, unhappy about a game0high five turnovers and downplaying his leadership role on a team...