Yao Ming furious over benching

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BEIJING (AFP) — China superstar Yao Ming was furious at being benched in the defeat against Greece where a win could have ensured his nation's highest-ever finish in Olympic basketball, the team's coach admitted.

Yao had 16 points and five rebounds in Monday's 91-77 loss to the Greeks, but only played 16 minutes as coach Jonas Kazlauskas chose to rest him for Wednesday's quarter-final against Lithuania.

Kazlauskas acknowledged that Yao was unhappy with the decision, saying the Houston Rocket star would have played more if China had a chance of winning, but after falling behind by 24 points in the first half that opportunity was lost.

"If we should be able ... to play close from the beginning, for sure Yao Ming should play a longer time, but there was no...