Chinese giant center Yao Ming has concluded the regular season of his NBA sophomore year. 
 
Chinese giant center Yao Ming has concluded the regualr season of his NBA sophomore year, averaging 17.5 points and nine rebounds in 82 matches.

Already assured a place in the playoffs, Yao's Rockets were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks 89-92 in the season finale in Houston on Thursday.

The Chinese star played for 22 minutes, scoring 12 points and seven rebounds.

Houston, advancing to their first playoffs in five years, will play the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. And fans in China will again enjoy a face-off between Yao and Shaq O'Neal.

In other games on the final night, Kevin Garnett scored 26 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves wrapped up first place in the Western Conference.

Kobe Bryant had 37 points as the Los Angeles Lakers edged the Portland Trail Blazers 105-104 in double overtime.

Photo source:sina.com
(CRI April 16, 2004)