Yes, Shaq did dominanted Yao tonight, and over power Yao tonight, but consider that Shaq is in the NBA for over 10 years, and Yao is only his first year, and this game will be a great lesson for Yao to know what to expect when facing strong opponent and what he could do to stop him. As a Rockets fan, we have to look forward and look at the bright side of things, their's an old saying that: it doesn't matter if you fail the first time, or second time, but the most important thing is what you learned from it, and never back up. I bring this up because I know this is exactly what's on Yao's mind right now, after 2 years, after he get stronger, it's about time to return the favor to the opponent who did overpower him.
If this game doesn't teach Yao that he needs to dunk when he's in close, nothing will. I hope Yao remembers Shaq dunking on him everytime he steps on the court.
In a way, this is a good game/lesson for Yao. Even though it was painful to watch that Yao was completely overpowered, I actually took comfort in that this indeed took place today. Without it, Yao may still retain somewhat inaccurate impression about NBA and real Shaq. The fall tonight bodes the true rise of Yao and a real superstar in the future. By all means, no matter what happened tonight, Yao should be extremely proud of himself for what he achieved in his roockie season. Way to go Yao! Best luck!
I will always support Yao but this was nevertheless a pretty dissapointing night. I guess my expectations were a bit skewed given our last contest against Shaq where Yao had his moments. Like many here, I am befuddled with Mr. Means decision of not doubling Shaq. That has to be the worst decision ever! One would think that it was a no brainer especially after it was clear Yao could not guard Shaq one on one. We simply left Yao out there for the taking... I really hope this game doesnt hurt his confidence but on a realistic standpoint, I do not know how it could not. I am pretty sure that Yao has NEVER been dominated in this fashion (dunks after dunks) in his career.
Why is anyone bashing Yao? There is a reason why Shaq is arguably the greatest center to play ever. Before long, Yao will be doing this to other centers in the NBA.
I am not disappointed at Yao's inability in defending Shaq. The truth is in the NBA it is difficult to defend a scorer from scoring one-on-one. So in a way, I am also puzzled why Rox did not double-team Shaq. Teams double or triple-team Yao even though Yao is nowhere as dominant as Shaq. BUT I am very disappointed at Yao's inability to score. He had too many jump-shots and missed so many of them. Yao needs to learn a couple of offensive moves. It seems that Yao does not have a go-to move yet!!! His post moves need to be refined. He needs to train himself hard during the off-season. Unfortunately, I am pessimistic that Yao will not be able to improve his offensive skills because of his summer commitment to the NT team.
I am glad Shaq domination happened. Yao got a lot to learn. Shaq showed where Yao's game should be heading. Yao need to be a lot more aggressive near the basket. Wonder if the Yang Yi guy will have an interview again.
The title of this thread is funny b/c it's like the minute there's "major" criticism of Yao some ppl think we're giving up on him *lol* It's like relax, criticism (constructive criticism) is part of growing and maturing as a player; which Yao will do. If we all went around pacifying the kid (which some of you moron Yao-only fans do) that won't help. Sure you want to support him (which we all do), but don't pacify him.
I just watch the first quarter again and yao was doing ok defensively. He could push shaq out of the paint and most of shaq's points in the 1st quarter came from alley hoop. I think it's because yao was trying to front shaq and then lost his position. Same as Shaq-Yao I, when yao's stamina declined, we saw more and more shaq's facial dunks. I think yao can do as good as any other centres against shaq defensively when he has full of energy. I hope he can improve this area in the near future with the help of the trainers. One more thing, when i see chris webber made those 18-20 feet jumpers again and again at the same spots, I wonder if yao can use the same stradegy when we run pick and roll. I think he can make those wide open mid range jumpers consistently, especially at the same sopts.
I never lost faith in Yao! I wasn't really mad at him. I know Shaq is too good. The Lakers know how to set him up.....and he finishes it well. Hopefully Yao will be relieved that the game is over and he can dominate the Spurs!
Yao Ming will never be a realy great Center till he learns NBA Footwork and positioning.At present the Rockets have NO COACH who can teach him these important factors. It doesent matter how strong he becomes, if he doesnt know just what to do and where to be in each situation , he just will not make it. Hakeem was taught these factors during his early years by an ex Rocket named Moses Malone. Yao Ming need to undergo the same!
I freakin' hate ESPN... All they talked about was how Shaq dominated Yao again... Again??? ESPN is so biased and s is BWalton...I now remember why I hate his analysis and commentary... Who doesn't get dominated by Shaq...He's in his prime and he is a big mo-fo... Yao will get better and have better games... GO YAO and ROX...
I've never lost faith in Yao. Everybody have their suggestions...get bigger, jump higher, play smarter, run faster, shoot better, get meaner, dunk everything. All I know is if you take Shaq out of the equation, Yao has the foundation that's good enough to compete with the rest of the league. Now that he's with the Rocket's organization, he'll learn all the valuable nutritional and training techniques that will make him a much better player. I don't think anyone of us out there doubts his dedication and work ethic.
Some stats to look at: Rookie Years Name G PTS REB AST BLKS FG% FT% Yao 71 13.7 8.4 1.6 1.85 .512 .800 Nowitzki 47 8.2 3.4 1.0 .57 .405 .773 R. Wallace 65 10.1 4.7 1.3 .83 .487 .650 Garnett 80 10.4 6.3 1.8 1.64 .491 .705 Duncan 82 21.1 11.9 2.7 2.51 .549 .662
I think Yao's better than expected preformance in this rookie year has really spoiled us. We are all morons if we give up on a rookie player who had a bad game playing against the most dominant player in the world.
