Here is an example. On December 9 at the Wizards game when McGrady left with back spasms Yao scored 23 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 38 points, 11 boards, 2 assists and 6 blocks. Dec 12 - Dec 22 without McGrady and playing west coast teams he averaged 31 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 blocks. That record is overrated when trying to assess if Yao carried the team or not. If you watched the games instead of relying on "record" you would know that Yao did everything humanly possible to get us wins but didn't have the help for whatever reason.
Even playing "as subpar and bad as" he was as every YOH so described, Yao Ming did give his all in this loss to the NBA champion, San Antonio Spurs on their own territory. The San Antonio Spurs did not get multiple championship rings in 9 years for no reasons. My rationale I would take 9 rebounds/3 blocks and numerous intimidation/ball alterings and charges taken against Duncan on any day Do you guys think Luis Scola and Shane Battier would have their breakout games if it was not the room and space created by Yao Ming for his team mates, as he was fronted and double-teamed throughout the game? Do you guys feel outrageous and weird that despite all the holding and grabbing and other physical and rough treatment from the Spurs defenders, that Yao Ming did not even get 1 single trip to the charity strip? People have to realize it's all boiled down to the execution and closing out games down the stretch. Even with TMAC, this team is still gelling and learning under a new coach and new offense system. And in all the three consecutive losses to Grizzlies, LA Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs that there were chances for wins at 4Q, but this team just failed to deliver. Time and time again, it was those late 4Q turnovers/missed shots that killed this team. It seemed this team is getting nowhere with that kind of execution down the stretch. It's the difference between champion versus contenders or pretenders. So I really don't think it is fair to blame it all on Big Yao for not being able to carry this team on his shoulder for wins !!
What Yao need to do is to make his opponent cry like a baby instead of ranting in his car. Crying won't help unless you find way to solve the problem. The problem is his demeanor on the court. Sometimes I get the impression that he's too focus on being role model with nice manner for his fan that it conflict with his instinct, and reaction as a basketball player. Don't think too much..Only thought Yao should have is the desire to be the best like when he just enter the league.
Yes for saying "Big Yao" had a bad game, your a YOH. I'm a fan of Yao, but I don't make excuses for him like some YOFs.
