Yao vs Yi II

Yao vs Yi failed to deliver in the NBA's world of one-name superstar marketing fashion. Hoping to follow in the footsteps of "Olajuwon vs Ewing" or "Shaq vs the Admiral" - David Stern had long been searching for the next big man rivalry to grace the National Basketball Association's hardwood. After the Milwaukee Bucks drafted China's Yi Jianlian last summer, the NBA found itself with two seven-foot Asian big men gracing its rosters - one in the north and one in the south (Houston's Yao Ming). Stern's dream appeared to have become a reality.

However, the first match up earlier this season proved to be a dud, and the second showdown between the Bucks and Rockets displayed just as little excitement between the two centers last night. Nevertheless, Houston fans walked away with smiles, as the Rockets won their seventh consecutive road game to the tune of 91-83.

With 200 million viewers in China watching the game from abroad, both Yao and Yi had quiet nights while finding themselves mired in shooting slumps. Yao scored 12 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while converting only five of 11 field goal attempts and going 2-of-5 from the charity stripe. Yi fared no better, hitting only one of 10 shots while scoring six points and notching seven rebounds.

Adding injury to insult, both big men suffered through slight physical problems in the game. Yao hurt his ankle before halftime and Yi suffered a shoulder injury early, but both were able to soldier on until the game's final buzzer.

With an ailing Yao, the Rockets were led by Tracy McGrady's 33 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Despite holding the Bucks to 39% shooting for the game, Houston needed several key buckets by McGrady in the game's waning minutes to walk away with a victory.

The Rockets continue their Midwest road trip with a Monday night game at Minnesota against a Garnet-less and hapless Timberwolves squad.

Photo: flickr user jeffbalke