China's Yao powers NBA Rockets past Heat
2009-01-18

People Tracy McGrady Rafer Alston Ron Artest Dwyane Wade Yao Ming Event 2008 NBA Clubs Houston Rockets Source (AFP)

HOUSTON, Texas, (AFP) - Yao Ming scored 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Rafer Alston added 22 points to lead the Houston Rockets past Miami 93-86 in a National Basketball Association game.

The Rockets, playing without injured standouts Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest, also has 17 points from Van Wafer in improving to 25-16.

Chinese star center Yao was a perfect 12-for-12 from the field as the Rockets connected on 56 percent of their shots, 39-of-69, and outrebounded Miami 43-34.

Dwyane Wade scored 29 points to lead the Heat, who had starters Mario Chalmers and Joel Anthony each fail to score. Shawn Marion had 20 points and 10 rebounds but Miami slid to 21-18.

Yao and Wafer each scored 15 points in the first half, sparking the Rockets to a 45-36 half-time lead.