An estimated 200 million people (most of them in China) tuned in to see Yao Ming battle Yi Jianlian for the first time. Both players finished with good numbers, though Yao dominated the Bucks’ big men, posting 28 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. Yi got off to a slow start, but finished with 19 points and nine boards. His game has been compared to Dirk Nowitzki’s, and while he’s not on the same level, the similarities are there. He has a terrific jumper, but he doesn’t have Dirk’s ability to penetrate, at least not yet. Defensively, he has a tendency to foul, but he’s very quick for a guy his size. He is off to a good start and looks to be one of the frontrunners for the All-Rookie Team.
But back to the game – it was closer than the final score would suggest. Yi’s three-pointer brought the Bucks within two, 84-82, with 6:16 to play in the fourth quarter before the Rockets went on a 20-6 run to close the game. The Bucks did not have an answer for Bonzi Wells (18 points, seven rebounds), who is playing with serious energy after phoning it in last season.
Houston advanced to 5-1 while the Bucks fell to 2-3.
