YaoMingMania.com

Yao shoots over Pau Gasol of the Grizzlies Monday night in the third quarter. The Rockets snapped a 4-game losing streak by beating the Grizzlies in Memphis 100-95.

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The Rockets finally won a game they were expected to win by beating Memphis 100-95 Monday night. We were skeptical the Rockets could pull this one off after struggling mightily during their season-high 4-game losing streak. But Rudy got tough and made the team show up for a shootaround on Monday before playing their evening game in Memphis, which is unusual for them since they played in Chicago the day before. It also didn't hurt that despite being a very accurate shooting team (6th in the NBA), the Grizzlies only shot 40% against the Rockets and made some costly turnovers in the fourth quarter. Playing smarter There were several things about this game that were encouraging for Rocket fans. The Rockets didn't jack up as many 3-pointers as they normally do: they only attempted 8 and made 4. In lieu of shooting treys, the Rockets guards seemed to go to the rack much more often than normal, and usually either made the shot or got fouled. As a result, Cuttino, Francis and Moochie went to the foul line 21 times collectively, and they made 18 of them. In total the team shot 82% from the line (32-of-39) -- much better than the 68% in their loss against the Bulls on Sunday. The team also made all 15 of their fourth quarter free throws. Another difference maker: Mo Taylor bounced back from a dismal game against the Bulls (2-for-9) by coming off the bench and scoring 16 on 5-for-8 shooting. And James Posey continued to show his value by scoring 14 (6-for-11) and stealing the ball 3 times. The Rockets also blocked 11 shots, which never hurts. Yo-Yao! For the second game in a row, Yao is showing signs of his old self (if a few weeks can be considered 'old'). Against the Griz, he had a double-double, scoring 13 (5-for-6 from the line) and racking up 10 rebounds. He also had 3 blocks. Although Yao was officially 4-for-11 from the field, that stat can be deceiving. On one missed field goal attempt, we believe he was fouled on a shot that was recorded as a 'block' for Pau Gasol. Yao was blocked another time by Pau at the rim, but he picked up the loose ball and was fouled in the act of shooting, which resulted in free throw attempts. Yao was blocked on another shot attempt by Pau that was legit. What we're trying to say is that Yao's accuracy was not diminished in this game because he attempted a lot of fadeaway jumpers like he has done the past few weeks. Instead, he attempted more shots near the basket, and is either making those shots, getting fouled, or (worst case) getting blocked. Since two of those three things are not bad, we're happy when Yao takes more shots near the rim. In the long run his point totals and field goal percentage will rise because of it. I'm also not too alarmed that Yao's shots were contested by Gasol. Pau is a very special player with long arms who gives all of his opponents fit, and his offensive skills are incredible. Since Pau is only a second-year player, I have a feeling the Yao-Pau rivalry will be a very special one for the next 14-15 years or so.

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Detailed Yao Analysis
vs. Memphis Grizzlies 1/27/03

1st quarter - Yao starts the game. In a surprise move, Eddie Griffin is guarding Pau Gasol while Yao is guarding Lorenzen Wright. That should give Yao the opportunity to roam and help Griffin in blocking Pau's shots.
10:57		On a nice give-and-go play, James Posey throws the ball to Yao, who is on the right side just outside the lane, then Posey cuts to the basket and Yao delivers a perfect bounce pass to him. Posey misses the layup off the glass, BUT YAO HUSTLES TO GET THE REBOUND AND JAMS IT DOWN ONE-HANDED! Rockets trail 2-4.
3:57		On a screen and roll play, Yao sets a pick for Francis who drives toward the left baseline. Steve sees Yao cutting unimpeded to the basket and passes the ball to Yao, who gets it underneath the basket, pump fakes, then goes up strong for a dunk...but Pau Gasol comes from behind AND HACKS YAO ON THE WRIST FOR A 'BLOCK' BUT THE REF DOESN'T CALL ANYTHING! This starts a fast break going the other way.
3:31		Yao is replaced by Maurice Taylor. The Rockets trail 9-16.
2nd quarter - The Rockets trail 20-22.
5:05		Yao checks into the game for Terrence Morris.
2:02		From the right wing, Pau Gasol drives baseline on Yao and goes up for a reverse layup, but YAO TRAILS HIM THE WHOLE WAY AND BLOCKS HIS SHOT UNDERNEATH THE RIM!
:04		Yao is replaced by Juaquin Hawkins.
Halftime - The Rockets lead 43-42. Yao is 1-for-4 from the field with 2 points.
3rd quarter - Yao starts the quarter.
11:34		Yao receives the ball on the right side just outside the lane. He then turns and jumps for a fadeawayer jumper...and the ball rattles in! Yao is now 2-for-5 with 4 points. The Rockets lead 45-42.
9:28		From Yao's favorite spot on the left side, Yao is guarded by the much shorter Lorenzen Wright, so he just turns and shoots a fadeaway jumper...SWISH! It looks like Yao is regaining his shooting touch! Yao is 3-for-6 from the field with 6 points. The Rockets lead 40-45.
7:25	Free Throws	From the left edge of the lane, Yao dribbles twice then goes up for a fadeaway jumper, but is fouled by Wright. That's Wright's fourth foul, and he checks out of the game. Yao misses the first free throw but makes the second one. Yao has 7 points.
7:02		Drew Gooden goes one-on-one against Maurice Taylor on the left side of the lane by spinning on Taylor and going up for the shot, but Yao comes over from the free throw line and times it perfectly to block his shot. However, the ball comes down to Gooden along the baseline, and he goes up strong to score a basket over Yao. Impressive moves and determination by Gooden. He has this very difficult double-pump action to defend against on many of his shots around the basket.
6:43		Yao gets great position down low against Pau Gasol, and Maurice Taylor is smart enough to get him the ball from the top of the key. Once he receives the ball, he immediately puts up a leaning jump hook with his left hand...COUNT IT! Yao is getting back to his high field goal percentage ways! The Rockets trail 52-53. Yao has 7 of his 9 points in this quarter, and has hit 3 shots in a row.
4:21	Great outlet	Yao grabs a defensive rebound and from the middle of the free throw lane immediately throws a long outlet pass to a streaking Francis down the left sideline. Francis receives the ball about 6 feet past the half court line, dribbles once, passes the ball to Maurice Taylor running down the middle of the court, and Taylor goes in for a one-handed tomahawk jam, but is fouled and will shoot free throws. Beautiful pass by Yao!
3:21		Cato checks into the game for Yao.
4th quarter -The Rockets lead 68-66. Yao remains out of the game for Cato.
9:41		The Rockets lead 70-66, and Eddie Griffin takes an ill-advised three point shot, but amazingly the shot is so bad it hits the glass and goes in as a bank shot! You've got to be kidding me! On the bench, you can see Yao is so amused he leans back in his chair laughing, and slaps the shoulder of the teammate right next to him saying something along the lines like, "Can you believe that shot?"
7:06		Yao checks into the game for Cato.
3:29	+ Free Throws	Francis shoots a long jumper that bounces off the front of the rim. Yao is there to tip the ball to himself, and gathers the ball underneath the bucket. Sensing three Grizzlies around him, Yao knows he has to go up strong for a jam, which he does. But Gasol blocks his shot from behind. Not to be denied, Yao gathers the loose ball and seems to say, "I'm going to dunk this ball no matter what!" Yao goes up strong once again for the jam, but this time is fouled and will go to the line! Ecstatic that Yao was showing a mean streak under the rim, the whole Rocket bench rises from their seats clapping and yelling, with Moochie doing his M.L. Carr impression whipping his towel vigorously! They are more fired up than Yao is! Yao makes both free throws. He is 3-for-4 from the line and 4-for-10 from the field for 11 points. The Rockets lead 88-81.
:19.8	Free Throws	The Rockets lead 96-92, and Yao grabs a rebound off a missed Pau Gasol free throw and is immediately fouled. Yao goes to the other end of the floor and makes both free throws beautifully. Yao now has 13 points.
:12		Drew Gooden drives the lane for a slam dunk over Yao, but Yao times it perfectly so that he blocks Gooden's shot at the top of his jump and knocks the ball out of bounds. The Rockets go on to win the game 100-95, and Yao finishes with a double-double: 13 points on 4-of-11 shooting and 10 rebounds. He also racked up 3 blocks.