Yao Ming (姚明) and Ron Artest powered Houston’s strong finish as the Rockets beat the Dallas Mavericks 112-102 in the NBA on Thursday, spoiling the debut of new Dallas coach Rick Carlisle.
Yao finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds, and Artest scored 29 points. He had seven points in the decisive 16-2 points run, which began with the game tied 92-92 in the final quarter. Along the way, he also showed his allegiance to his new teammate.
After Yao was fouled hard and caught a late elbow from Dallas’ Josh Howard, Artest rushed between Yao and Howard. Officials gave Artest a technical foul.
PHOTO: EPA
“He was trying to separate us,” Yao told an official.
The new teammates walked away slapping hands.
The Mavericks got within eight points in the final minutes, and looked like closing the deficit further when Dirk Nowitzki blocked a layup by Houston’s Aaron Brooks. However the German missed the turnaround 3.7m shot at the other end and the result was never in doubt again.
HORNETS 108, SUNS 95
In Phoenix, New Orleans held off a rally to spoil the home debut of new Phoenix coach Terry Porter.
CAVALIERS 96, BOBCATS 79
In Cleveland, LeBron James scored 22 points as the Cavs won their home opener by downing Charlotte.
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