Rockets Beat Nets 95-85 In China
GUANGZHOU, China (AP) — Kevin Martin scored 16 points and Yao Ming added 10 in front of the home crowd Saturday to help the Houston Rockets beat the New Jersey Nets 95-85 in a preseason game.
The game was a local showcase for Yao, who continues to ease back from foot surgery after sitting out last season. The center looked sharp under the basket with several deft hook shots during his 18 minutes on the court. When he wasn't playing, he spent his time on the sideline riding an exercise bike.
Yao finished 5 of 8 from the field and added five rebounds — enough to be named the game's most valuable player. The crowd chanted his name as he was taken off with 9 minutes left in the fourth quarter.
New Jersey's Brook Lopez led all scorers with 20 points, while Anthony Morrow had 19 for the Nets. Houston had six players in double figures, as Aaron Brooks had 12, Brad Miller scored 11 while Shane Battier and Chase Budinger added 10 each.
It was Miller's first preseason game after spraining his ankle in September.
The Rockets take on the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks in two more exhibitions back in the United States next week and then open the season on Oct. 26 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Nets wrap up their preseason against the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics next week before opening against the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 27.
Saturday's game marked the opening of the Guangzhou International Sports Arena.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
