Stars

Chinese star deflated by loss

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-30 08:53

Yi Jianlian equaled his career record of 29 points and also had seven rebounds and two assists in New Jersey's game against the Oklahoma Thunder on Monday but the Chinese forward was still down after his team lost 105-89; marking its second straight 10-loss losing streak this season.

"I don't have much excitement (about the record). We should not have lost the game but we did. So the record is not so meaningful to me," Yi said after match.

"We did not do a good job in help defense. There is a lot to improve," he said. "Meanwhile, we were not aggressive enough, either. We had only four free throws in the last two quarters."

Despite the losing streak, Yi said he is getting into shape.

"In the first two matches, I found it hard to breath but I'm feeling much better now," he said.

Yi missed seven weeks at the start of the season with a knee injury. After a short return, he received 50 stitches to close a wound on his upper lip after he was elbowed by teammate Sean Williams during practise on Dec 5.

He made a strong comeback against the Minnesota Timberwolves last Thursday, when he gained 22 points and eight rebounds. He continued his good run by scoring 17 points and pulling down six rebounds against the Houston Rockets on Sunday.

Yi's form has impressed many, including the Thunder's coach, Scott Brooks.

China Daily