Yao’s final game in China for 2007 not-so-great
October 1st, 2007by John
After two great games in a row where he had scored 30+ points, Yao Ming had a relatively bad game Monday night against Moscow CSKA, making only 5-of-14 shots on his way to 27 points (he made only 17-of-23 free throws). Yao also only grabbed 4 rebounds, committed 4 turnovers, and had 4 personal fouls. Not the kind of “4-4-4″ you want that Moses Malone talked about almost 25 years ago. Without Yao having his A-game, the Chinese lost 83-77.
For more photos from the game, click here.
According to our Raymond, immediately after the game against Moscow CSKA, Yao bolted quickly from the venue, even skipping his shower, so he could go back to Shanghai for the rehearsal of the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics. He will then skip the last summer game for the Chinese and head back to Texas on Wednesday for Rockets training camp.
I’m sure no one at training camp will be concerned about Yao’s performance against Moscow. However, if I get the chance, I’ll bring it up to him to see what happened in that game. 
October 3rd, 2007 at 1:43 am
Yao just looked tired. He blew two easy dunks pretty badly, it seemed like he had no lift at all. And he was just walking up and down the court for the most part in the second half. It is really stupid that he had to play these meaningless games in the first place, and then he had to show up at functions and dinners hosted by the Chinese Basketball Federation as soon as he gets off the plane. Well anyway, I’m glad that his national duties are finally done so he can concentrate on the NBA now.