Yao Ming has lived up to all the expectations this season Yao already has recorded seven 30-point games this season, which is a career high and had a streak of scoring at least 25 points in six straight games. His numbers as of late also rank among some of Houston’s all-time greats. Over a 15 game span from Feb. 22 through March 21, Yao recorded 405 points (27 ppg) and 194 rebounds (12.9 rpg) to become one of only four Rockets in the history of the franchise to reach 400 points and 190 rebounds over a 15-game span. The last player to accomplish this was Hakeem Olajuwon when he recorded 404 points and 194 rebounds over a 15-game stretch during the 1995-96 season. What They're Saying About Yao Ming “When considering that Yao has McGrady, who can get him the ball as well as command double teams; a coach in Jeff Van Gundy who believes strongly in playing inside-out; and a birth certificate that's just 25 years old, we could witness Yao do some tremendous things over the next decade.” Chris Broussard-ESPN.com “Since Yao got his toe fixed, he is playing his best basketball for a team that's playing its worst. He's put together 14 straight 20-point games, for averages of 28.0 points and 12.9 rebounds over that period, suggesting Shaq may have some company at the top of the center charts next season.” John Hollinger-ESPN.com "He has improved so much. He is a tough guy to cover especially with Tracy (McGrady) out. He touches the ball almost every time down court.” Zydrunas Ilgauskas-Cavaliers center "He is unbelievable! He can do everything the center position is suppose to do. He blocks shots, scores on the low box, rebounds and there is not much more you can ask from your center. He is playing really hard." Nazr Mohammed-Spurs center "He's been playing phenomenal since the All Star break. His turnaround is money. He is so big and so skilled." Dirk Nowitzki-Mavericks forward “This is the best I have ever seen him play. He's the best center in the NBA right now on one end (offensive) of the court. Every team has to focus on him more than any other center in the NBA, even Shaq (O'Neal)." Jerry Stackhouse-Mavericks guard "Since he's come back he's been an unbelievable player. He's so much better this year. He's unstoppable right now. He reminds me of when Shaquille (O'Neal) was winning championships in Los Angeles." Peja Stojakovic-Pacers guard "An animal. He is playing like a beast. He is playing real aggressive. This is the best I have seen him play since he's been in the league." Jason Terry-Mavericks guard “I'm ecstatic for his success, 28 and 14 since the break, the most improbable story this year. Analyzing and watching Yao- all his progress has been in the development of a mental edge. He had to get the toe fixed, yes, but he's durable and doesn't have physical limitations that would keep him from achieving things. Players usually figure things out their third year in the league and Yao has figured out that he can't wait around for others to do the job, and also that he's so much bigger, stronger, smarter and better than a lot of players in this league.” Bill Walton-ESPN and ABC television analyst
This is the concern I have. Right now if Yao misses 3 or 4 shots in a row, he still knows he's going to get the ball - just like any "go-to" guy in the NBA. However, will that be the case when TMac returns. Or will we go back to the old Rockets offense - where 1) guards stop passing to him if he misses his first couple of shots and 2) he clearly becomes tentative and apprehensive about taking a shot if he's missed a couple
