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Author Time: 04-02-2008 Source: Sina.com
Yao Ming
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin, Feb 2, 2008 - Yao Ming had 12 points and 12 rebounds as the Houston Rockets beat Milwaukee 91-83 in just the second meeting between the giant centre and his Chinese compatriot Yi Jianlian.
An estimated 200 million people watched the game worldwide -- more than are expected to watch Sunday's American gridiron championship Super Bowl.
Rockets Tracy McGrady led all scorers with 33 points while Bonzi Wells and Rafer Alston added 10 points each for Houston, which completed its third consecutive season-series sweep of Milwaukee.
Yi, who is in his first NBA season, finished with a respectable six points for the Bucks, who are losers of 10 of their last 13 games.
Winners of seven of their last eight, the Rockets went on a commanding 14-4 run over a 10-minute stretch between the second and third quarters to forge a 48-37 advantage. McGrady scored 10 in the run.
The Bucks battled back before the third quarter concluded as Mo Williams scored nine of his 13 points in helping Milwaukee slice its deficit to 64-61.
Charlie Villanueva scored six of Milwaukee's first eight fourth-quarter points, including a putback with 9:47 left to take a 69-68 lead - its first of the second half.
But Houston closed the game out an impressive 23-14 surge with McGrady scoring eight straight points at one stage.
Neither Yao nor Yi was able to get off to a fast start.
Yao managed just three points with three turnovers in the first half, while Yi made just 1-of-6 shots for six points before intermission.
Yao and the Rockets won the first meeting between the Chinese stars 104-88 on November 9 in Houston.
Andrew Bogut scored 21 and Villanueva and Bobby Simmons added 14.
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