[Basketball News]

Behind an early three-point barrage and Yao Ming's dominating play in the paint, the Rockets remained hot on the offensive end and crushed the Sixers 124-74 at the Wachovia Center for one of the largest blowout wins in franchise history... The Rockets (42-25) knocked down 53.3 percent of their shots and scored a season-high 124 points on their way to their biggest rout since thumping New Jersey by 52 points in 1978.

Rockets remain hot on offensive end to crush Sixers

[Lefty Noob]

Houston looks unstoppable right now, and they're just 1.5 games behind Utah for the West's 4th seed after this win.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Houston looks unstoppable right now, and they're just 1.5 games behind Utah for the West's 4th seed after this win.

Yeah, imagine if Ming had stayed healthy all year?...as it is, he should be terribly fresh for the playoffs.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Yeah, imagine if Ming had stayed healthy all year?...as it is, he should be terribly fresh for the playoffs.

Yeah, and the Rockets are going to be a scary 4th seed. The Western Conference is loaded.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Yeah, and the Rockets are going to be a scary 4th seed. The Western Conference is loaded.

I like them, I am looking for the day Ming is talked about in the same breath as the Hakeem...yeah tall order...but the 7'5" center is really coming on strong...

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

I like them, I am looking for the day Ming is talked about in the same breath as the Hakeem...yeah tall order...but the 7'5" center is really coming on strong...

Hmm, interesting... Olajuwon averaged 21.8 ppg on 51.2% shooting and 11.1 rebounds per game during his 18 year career; Ming averages fewer points (17.5 ppg) on better shooting (52.4%), 8.8 rebounds per game. Hakeem had 919 blocks during the first four years of his career, while Yao has 996 in the middle of his fourth season. The two compare fairly well, I would say -- Ming's not there yet in his scoring and rebounding, but he's a more accurate shooter and a better blocker than Hakeem was, at least at this point in their respective careers.