Yao plays 12 minutes in return

All-star center scores three points for Houston in a 97-88 loss to Orlando

HIDALGO, Texas - Yao Ming played just 12 minutes for the Houston Rockets in his first game since undergoing surgery on his left foot in July 2009.

Yao played eight minutes in the first quarter and four in the second on Tuesday before sitting out for good in Houston's 97-88 preseason loss to the Orlando Magic. He had three rebounds, one assist, hit three free throws and attempted just one shot.

Dwight Howard had 19 points and 12 rebounds and Vince Carter added 14 points for Orlando.

"I'm happy that I can get on the court and I can run," Yao said. "I was running without pain ... and I think that's a good first step."

Yao played eight minutes in the first quarter and four in the second before sitting down for good in his first game since undergoing surgery on his left foot in July 2009.

"I thought he did OK," Houston coach Rick Adelman said. "It's going to be a process. It's going to be a process for him and it's going to be a process for our team."

Howard, who played 27 minutes, had no problem dealing with the 7-foot-6 (2.29m) Yao in the scant time they faced each other and scored 10 points on him in the first few minutes of the game.

"He's getting back into it," Howard said of Yao. "He's still physical. I think he's just trying to get back right. I'm just happy to see him on the floor and hopefully he continues to play."

Magic coach Stan Van Gundy was impressed with Howard's play.

"I thought he played well," Van Gundy said. "He hit those two face-up bank shots. He put the ball on the floor and I thought he was real good. I thought our post play in general was real good."

Yao played about half of the 24 minutes the Rockets have said they will limit him to this season. They will consult with doctors as the season progresses to see if he might be able to handle more. Houston is eager to have him back in any capacity after going 42-40 and missing the playoffs with 6-foot-6 Chuck Hayes playing center in his absence.

"I'm not really tired but I'm just trying to catch the speed," Yao said. "After 15 months of not playing a game I had to start somewhere."

The 30-year-old, seven-time all-star has averaged more than 19 points and nine rebounds since he was drafted first overall in 2002. He jogged onto the court a couple of minutes after his teammates to some of the loudest applause of the night as fans stood up and snapped pictures while shouting his name.

Houston was led by Kevin Martin's 14 points, while Courtney Lee added 12 and Aaron Brooks 11.

This was a unique setting for an NBA game in a town of just over 7,400 directly across the Rio Grande from the Mexican city of Reynosa, Tamaulipas.

Houston's Argentinian forward Luis Scola delivered a welcome message to the fans in Spanish before mariachis performed the national anthem.

Associated Press

(China Daily 10/07/2010 page12)