Yao back to court as Rockets beat Mavericks

(CRIENGLISH.com )
Updated: 2006-10-18 13:27

Chinese star center Yao Ming has returned to the court after recovering from a toe injury.

During a NBA pre-season match between Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks, the All-Star player played 23 minutes, contributing eight points and eight rebounds.

The highlight of the game came in the final seconds when Steve Novak scored a decisive three-pointer with only 37 seconds to go. The shot has helped the Rockets came from behind to anchor their victory at 72-69.

The Rockets were edged by the host Mavericks from the very beginning and fell behind 37-32 at halftime.

Rockets Luther Head added seven points in the third quarter to reduce the deficit to 54-52.

The two teams reach 67-all in the fourth quarter. Vassilis Spanoulis hit a tiebreaking jumper with 1:25 left to give the Rockets the lead for good. Novak added a three-pointer to seal the victory.

Head scored 13 points, including three three-pointers for the Rockets, and Novak added 12 and seven rebounds.

Josh Howard led the Mavericks with a game-high score of 22 points.