National Basketball Association

Yao sets pace as Rockets bury Blazers

Published Apr. 19, 2009 7:31 a.m. ET

foxsports

Coming out strong against the Trail Blazers was the first step of a very logical progression for Yao Ming.

"Because this was the first game, and also the first couple of minutes of the first game — the first couple of minutes can set the tone for the game, and the first game can set the tone for the series," Yao said.