Yao Ming Decided To Join His Team Mates Fighting In Utah

pryuen · Apr 23, 2008

Read this article from Wang Meng on Titan Sports; Yao Ming decided he will travel and join his team mates in Game 3 and 4 in Salt Lake City versus Utah Jazz.

He said no matter how tough and difficult it will be, he will stand by his team, and cheer, rave and support his team mates to the the end.

ENJOY !!!

http://sports.sina.com.cn/k/2008-04-23/10353617064.shtml

Reporter Wang Meng of Titan Sports reports from Houston

Yao Ming pushed open the iron gate of the changing room once again and left early well ahead of time (prior to the post-game press conference). He slowly walked towards the parking lot, still wearing that heavy iron protective boot on his left foot. On this night of another defeat (and 0 ~ 2 down in the playoff), his footsteps seemed to be more lead-laden than the night before (right after the loss in Game 1). Yao Ming quickly passed through the waiting media/press reporters outside of the changing room. Surprisingly no reporters dared or bothered to stick out his/her microphone for an interview, because a clear message was written all over the forlorn icy look on Yao Ming’s face: “This is not a good time to disturb or interview me.” So everyone just let go of him, and watching his back, every one just guessed what were the pain going through him.

For Game 2, Yao Ming changed his shirt and put on a different business suit; he did away with the tie which made him very uncomfortable. But at the end, he had exactly the sad and forlorn feeling of Game 1. TNT was live broadcasting Game 2, and every now and then, the camera was panning the Houston Rockets bench, and we can clearly see the changing moods of Yao Ming. The competition was very intense and every now and then, Yao Ming stood up, left the bench, and walked to the courtside; it seemed he hoped, by doing so, he could be closer to his team mates, and could provide more moral support to them. He applauded for Tracy McGrady’s block shot; he stamped his feet and felt sorry for Luis Scola’s missed lay-up. And in the 4th quarter, when the Houston Rockets could not snatch back its lead, Yao Ming looked all concerned and worried with his eyebrows all locked up. And when the Rockets had run out of all its offensive ammunition, Yao Ming took a glance of Rafer Alston at his side, had another look at himself, shook his head helplessly.

Yao Ming said: “I could not tell or describe to you how bad and uncomfortable I’m feeling inside. Despite of that many games that I missed playing (due to my injury), I still considered myself an integral part of this team; and as far as I’m concerned, it is real hard for me to have to sit here on the bench and witness all these happening helplessly. This feeling is completely different when I was lying on my bed at home watching my team mates play during the regular season. Now here I am, sitting on the bench, with my team mates at my side and playing. This just gave me an impulse that I wish I can join them on court and contribute to the team.”

It was a torture to have to witness the Houston Rockets lost, and this feeling of helplessness and forlornness just filled his chest. Yao Ming had to struggle within himself, put up a brave face and attempted to control his own mood: “(I can only tell myself) this season of mine had gone, and was just not meant to be, and that I have to start preparing for the new season diligently.”

Early next morning, Yao Ming for sure will show up early and punctually in the training court/gymnasium of Toyota Centre. He knew that is the only thing he can do now. “My team mates are now playing in the playoff, giving their all in their attempt to get past Round 1. And my target now is to get past my recuperation and rehabilitation well, adjust my body shape and condition and simultaneously finding new ways and means on how to improve my game better. I must excel myself and raise my game in the new season and lead my team farther and further into the playoff.”

And he is getting better and better day by day in his rehabilitation. The conservative doctors, with the aim to protect him from further aggravating his injury, were still prohibiting him from running. But Yao Ming had already started jogging slowly on the running machine in the gymnasium. And while he was doing his biking exercise, he had started to raise the tempo and pressure coefficient; he was doing everything possible (and within scope allowable by the doctors) to maintain his body shape and condition.

Even though he persisted in doing his biking exercise every day (in the gymnasium of the hotel he was staying) when he took a break from his rehabilitation to return to China for more than 10 days, Yao Ming had gained weight of about 4 pounds. But shortly after his return to Houston, and 3 to 4 days after resuming his rehabilitation, that 4 pounds of fat had evaporated. Moreover, Yao Ming had started to practice his free throw shooting, another significant step taking him closer to return to court. Yao Ming said: “Even though there is no way I can start shooting my jumpers, those in-situ fixed point free throws shooting can help me to maintain my shooting feel and touch. I just do what I can and am allowed to do now, such that when I get better, and can start playing contact basketball again, I can retrieve my competitive shape and form much faster.”

But in the forthcoming few days, his rehabilitation plan would have to be interrupted and be put on hold, as he decided he will travel with his team to Salt Lake City; even though there is not much he can do, he decided he had to spend the next few days together with his team mates. Yao Ming said: “How can I possibly not go there for such important competition? I know how tough and difficult it is and will be to play in Salt Lake City. So I have to be there with my team mates at the most tough and difficult situation of our team.”
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kaocsaephan · Apr 23, 2008

Thank you. Great read. Emotional stuff. Sadder then the Titanic for sure

saleem · Apr 23, 2008

Yao Ming is a great guy.It's an honor to have him on the Houston Rockets.

ShiniKashi · Apr 23, 2008

yao pwns

jajayao · Apr 23, 2008

Wow, this will be a great morale booster for the team. Yao Rules! GO ROCKETS!

Illmatic · Apr 23, 2008

Honestly, if he aint playing, he should come there to tease us. If his presence didn't provide a much needed morale and energy at home, why would it happen in UTAH of all places. I might be bitter, but since the playoffs started, i only check 3 websites now, facebook, yahoo mail and clutchfans, i dont even bother with yahoo sports now, hoopsworld, hoopsvibe or the other million basketball websites since i know they will be clowning on us bad for losing 2 straight at home. So Yao please save your energy for the olympics of for next year cos i dont wanna hear any excuses next year

ShiniKashi · Apr 23, 2008

Illmatic said:

Honestly, if he aint playing, he should come there to tease us. If his presence didn't provide a much needed morale and energy at home, why would it happen in UTAH of all places. I might be bitter, but since the playoffs started, i only check 3 websites now, facebook, yahoo mail and clutchfans, i dont even bother with yahoo sports now, hoopsworld, hoopsvibe or the other million basketball websites since i know they will be clowning on us bad for losing 2 straight at home. So Yao please save your energy for the olympics of for next year cos i dont wanna hear any excuses next year
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what a cynic "fan"

Rocketsgo · Apr 23, 2008

At the first sight of the title, I have a special feeling for a short time that Yao has recovered . To be frank, without Yao, Rockets is just an average team just like the Magic when Macgrady was in , though I hate to say so. This was supposed to be the big year for the Rockets, but injuries cost Rockets everything. To make sure both Yao and macgrady keep healthy , Rockets is certain to make a noise next season.

rn_xw · Apr 23, 2008

Illmatic said:

Honestly, if he aint playing, he should come there to tease us. If his presence didn't provide a much needed morale and energy at home, why would it happen in UTAH of all places. I might be bitter, but since the playoffs started, i only check 3 websites now, facebook, yahoo mail and clutchfans, i dont even bother with yahoo sports now, hoopsworld, hoopsvibe or the other million basketball websites since i know they will be clowning on us bad for losing 2 straight at home. So Yao please save your energy for the olympics of for next year cos i dont wanna hear any excuses next year
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I think Yao was suppose to be there in Toyota centre, but he does not need to go Utah with the team. Now he decides to travel with the team shows how much he cares about the Rockets. I know he's playing but he's not the one who's looking for excuses. Nobody should be blamed for the stress fracture. If I'm his teammate and He's telling everyone he'll travel, I'd definite feel better.

AzNaNsZ · Apr 23, 2008

man i dunno y people like to trade yao i mean he is the hardest working person i noe, yeah he has some injuries but its a sport i really hope we win a championship for him.

Old Man Rock · Apr 23, 2008

Illmatic said:

Honestly, blah,blah,blah
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Honestly, your reply is by far the stupidest one I've read today.

vmac · Apr 23, 2008

Yao's a great guy and a great team mate. Right now, I wish I could say the same thing about Stevie.

DaDakota · Apr 23, 2008

With him we are up 2-0 and playing Denver in the first round.

DD

durvasa · Apr 23, 2008

Does anyone know what our record has been since Yao has been injured when he has attended the games? Just curious.

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