is that guys like Battier and Hayes are protecting Yao from foul trouble. Battier got 5 fouls in the game vs Utah and Hayes got 6 in yesterday's game. I also remember that in the preseason vs Heats when Shaq tried to attack the rim in front of Yao and it seemed inevitably lead to a foul on Yao, Battier grabbed the ball from behind and took the foul. This, however, didn't happen in previous seasons when Howard played besides Yao (Sorry, I like Howard but it is the fact). Keeping Yao out of foul trouble is critical not only because Yao can stay on the court scoring and defending but also give Yao more confidence in long run. This is invisible on game stats but our inside defenders should get the credits. BTW, I am impressed by the defense against Nowitzki. Small size defender stayed close to him and Yao easily blocked the shot like playing volleyball. I like to see that kind of defense for the whole season. Go Rockets!
battier is a very smart player. when they show the slo mo replays and explain what he does on some plays, like boxing out someone to make sure that there is a path for the ensuing fast break, i am amazed. this is a fundamentals guy.
