Pro Basketball News

Yao powers Rockets by Blazers in Game 1 (AP) (sports.yahoo.com)

Coming out strong against the Trail Blazers was the first step of a very logical progression for Yao Ming. "Because this was the first game, and also the first couple of minutes of the first game -- the first couple of minutes can set the tone for the game, and the first game can set the tone for the series," Yao said.