Rockets star scores 30 in 30 minutes in losing effort

Yao shines, but Italy routs China, 84-69
Rockets star scores 30 in 30 minutes in losing effort


By FRAN BLINEBURY
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

SAPPORO, JAPAN — The big question coming into the World Basketball Championship for China was the fitness of Yao Ming.

That was answered in the opening game as Yao Ming scored 30 points in 30 minutes.

Now it's time for another question: Will anyone guard the 3-point shooters.

Italy used a second-half barrage from behind the arc to pull away for an easy 84-69 victory over China on Saturday night.

Yao had looked rusty and out of rhythm in two exhibition games leading up to the tournament. But he was sharp against the Italians, making 12 of 17 shots, pulling down nine rebounds and committing just one turnover.

His teammates could only wish they were as effective. The rest of the Chinese lineup made only 9 of 36 shots combined. No other player joined Yao in double figures.

Yao moved well and showed no signs of problems from the broken bone in his left foot that he suffered on April 10. He played aggressive around the basket, ramming home several put-back dunks and he showed a nice touch on his jump shot.

"Go tell (Rockets head coach) Jeff (Van Gundy)," Yao said with a smile. "That's probably his best news of the summer."

There was no good news for the Chinese team in the second half. After a goaltending call pulled China into a tie at 50-all, the Italians nailed 3-pointers on consecutive possessions and finished the game with 13 treys.

Gianluca Basile led Italy with 27 points, including five treys. Matteo Soragno made four long shots and Richard Rocco three.

"Those shooters step out and make those 3-pointers on the wing, they take quick shots off screens and we don't see that in our country," Yao said. "I don't know if you can say that's our players' fault. It's a problem in our whole country."

Yao was likely being protective and generous to his teammates. It was hardly the first time the Chinese have played a European team. In fact, China finished a 40-day trip through Europe in late July and played the Italians twice.

"We told our players how to play, how to defend, what to do," said Chinese head coach Jonas Kazlauskas. "The problem was they tired and did not fight in the third and fourth quarter.

"Don't say anything about Yao Ming. He had 30 points in 30 minutes. What more can he do? Ask the other players."

China will face the United States tonight.

 

Kobe needed 42 minutes to achieve 81 pts. But...... there is only 40 minutes per international game. Unless he plans to play non-stop for 40 minutes and played another 2 minutes in extra time. That will be one hell of a game for Kobe and I will be the first one to call him 'The Greatest'.