http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6163082#1 10 things we learned: Yao got game don't know if this has already been posted, but here's the link.
1. Item: Yao had 34 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Houston Rockets to an impressive 94-72 victory at Miami over the defending champion Heat on Sunday night, with O'Neal offering up 15 points and 10 rebounds. Yao Ming and the Rockets had their way with Shaquille O'Neal and the Heat on Sunday. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) What this really means: The passing of the torch can't really be official until the Rockets go somewhere beyond the first round of the playoffs — or even get into the playoffs, which they didn't last season — and Yao remains healthy playing at this level. But from an individual performance standpoint, there is no comparision between where's he at now and where he was in the second half of last season. O'Neal is fading and Yao is blossoming. Yao, 26, is averaging 27.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks for the 5-2 Rockets compared to the 34-year-old O'Neal's 14.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.0 block for the 3-3 Heat. Of course, it's early, but all the signs are there. In fact, the real question in this comparison between the two guys is really sitting somewhere in between the two franchises — the future of the Rockets shooting guard formerly known as the superstar T-Mac. Indeed, there are concerns about the future of Tracy McGrady, who is still only 27. Coming off a season fraught with back problems, he's returned heavier and slower without that burst of speed or jumping ability. His scoring average had dropped in each of the past four seasons. At his current pace of 17.6, he is almost five points below his scoring average and his shooting has been awful from both the field and free throw line. But he's also averaging 6.4 assists and 5.4 rebounds, which are very good and if he is indeed making the players around him better as they continue to win, isn't that how the status of both Yao and McGrady move up in terms of respect? why can't you just post the entire thing? Anyway, here we go, mod, feel free to lock if it is already posted.
I think Yao has still alot to learn. Beating Shaq in just one game does not mean much. What matters is that Yao can dominate everytime he sees Shaq. I'm not saying that Yao sucks but one can be dominant not only through game but by personality, emotions, winning attitude and trash talking. I am a YOF
Hakeem was quiet and classy, on and off the court, in his prime (mid-90s). He didn't need to trash talk, and neither does Yao.
I believe its meant as a figure of speech and not as a comparison to Yao. They mean Shaq is the "Big Dominator," big and with an even bigger personality (so his personality is really large too).
Except maybe trash talking, which aspect is Yao Ming currently lacking ? I thought he showed emotions throughout in and after games.....yelling out when he made a tough shot, got an And 1, complaint to referees for unfair calls, depressed and self-criticizing and self-balming after losses. He showed great comradeship and leadership in his team. He put team success above every other thing else. He is the most hardworking and most efficient Rockets; he came to train 2 hours ahead and 2 hours behind every Rockets. Strength and conditioning exercise became part of his daily life. His work ethic is way head and shoulder above the others. He continues to search for excellence to be the number 1. He craves to win every Rockets game. To me that is winning attitude. He kept as down-to-earth and humble as he is, loyal to his friends, team mates, coaches and fans, filial to his parents, patriotic to his country, despite being a multi-millionaire and a basketball superstar. What else is he not better than alot other NBA players in terms of emotion, winning attitude, and personality? After all, IMHO, trash talking is not absolutely required at all. Let his game speaks for trash talking. What is the use for trash talking on others if you cannot dominate them over and over with your game ?
Yao still need to learn a lot on and off the court. The first important thing for him is keeping heathy and playing every game like what he has done in MIAMI.
i certainly believe Yao has exceeded O'Neal if we're talking about current abilities. But I still want to see playoff dominance from Yao to be properly convinced.
