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Yao Ming fifth straight double-double, but Rockets lose
(Agencies)
Updated: 2006-03-02 16:16
HOUSTON - Yao Ming was fine, equalling a record of his career
in Rockets' 106-101 loss to the 76ers, but Allen
Iverson led Philadelphia rally to win with a good teamwork
play.
Yao Ming had 22 points and 13 rebounds for his career high-tying fifth
straight double-double and 20th of the season. He had five straight once before
in 2002.
Even though Allen Iverson scored 40 points, the Philadelphia 76ers knew it
took a team effort to rally past the Houston Rockets.
Iverson had 12 points in the fourth quarter, but he had plenty of help in
Philadelphia's 106-101 on Wednesday night.
"This was a heck of a win for us," coach Maurice Cheeks said. "And it was
very much a team win. Sam (Dalembert) had a big block for us in the fourth
quarter, Johnny Salmons had some big baskets and Chris (Webber) was fantastic.
"Let's don't forget Allen Iverson. Allen put us in position to win. But this
was still a prime example of a team effort."
Webber had 21 points and 13 rebounds for his 26th double-double of the
season. Kyle Korver added 14 points, including three 3-pointers in the final
period. Salmons had 10 points and four rebounds, and praised Iverson.
"He had it going again," Salmons said. "He's just one of those special
players. Whatever makes a great player great, that's what he has. I don't know
what it is for sure but I'm trying to get it.
"The good thing tonight is we all contributed when it was critical. When he's
dominating like that and we keep moving and getting our shots, we can beat
anybody — even Detroit."
The Rockets wouldn't argue on this night.
"Pretty much down the stretch, those guys got any shots they wanted," said
Tracy McGrady, who led Houston with 25 points, including 12 in the third quarter
when Houston led by as many as 11.
"Not only were they shots they wanted, but they were shots in the paint and
those are pretty good shots. We didn't do a good job of preventing them from
getting those shots."
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