Ming needs to use his hook shot more. Of all the shots that he has, it can be the most unstoppable. A fadeway/turnaround, even though Ming is capable of making it, is a more difficult shot than a simple 5 foot hook shot. Instead of trying to do all these more complicated moves with pump fakes and etc, he needs to just do a few hook shots to establish himself down low. Ostertag presented somewhat of a problem for Yao today, especially on the play down the stretch where Yao got stuffed coming across the lane and doing a fallback jumper. I'm not sure, maybe he was trying to pass the ball because it's just hard for me to believe that Ming doing a fallback jumper can get blocked. Regardless, the hook shot is truly the unblockable shot if Ming does it, and he needs to utilize it more often against some of the bigger centers, like Ostertag, in the league. Ming put up some pretty good numbers today (although I don't think he had that good of a fg%)... it's a testament to how good Ming really is when we are left expecting a little better performance when he already puts up numbers that would make any team drool. Use the hook more, and he will truly be unstoppable.
You're right. I didn't all that stuff you posted, but you're right. I don't think he's ever missed the hook shot. Nobody can stop it. It's so easy for him. Just throw it nicely. The worst shot for him has been turning around in the middle and trying to shoot off the backboard. He throws it too hard. But Yao has been doing all right. He has made a few turnovers due to fatigue. What a disappointing game. He's been missing a lot of those Shanghai Shake things. His game is best when he's near the basket. And his passing is wonderful. BUT WE LOST!
The stuff you are talking about was definitely a pass. The ball came off of Ming's hands straight forward. He never shoots like that. He as trying to get it to Mobley under the basket. Ostertag knocked it back to Ming, and he tried to pass again. Unfortunately, by then, he was covered and it was another turnover.
Yao's passing is a wonderful thing to behold, but Yetti is right. He needs to learn when and when not to pass. I would much rather have Yao take a 7-8 foot shot then pass to Mobley down low in traffic. I also agree that Yao needs to use his hook shot more. Ostertag was just waiting for that turnaround and at 7'2, that's problematic. Throw in a couple of hooks and Ostertag would be off balance.
