Yao, Artest play key roles as Rockets beat Mavericks 112-102

Source: Agencies  |   2008-10-31  |     ONLINE EDITION

YAO Ming and Ron Artest powered Houston's strong finish as the Rockets beat the Dallas Mavericks 112-102 in the NBA yesterday, spoiling the debut of new Dallas coach Rick Carlisle.

Yao finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds, and Artest scored 29 points. He had seven points in the decisive 16-2 points run, which began with the game tied 92-92 in the final quarter. Along the way, he also showed his allegiance to his new teammate.

After Yao was fouled hard and caught a late elbow from Dallas' Josh Howard, Artest rushed between Yao and Howard. Officials gave Artests a technical foul.

Yao told an official, "He was trying to separate us." The new teammates walked away slapping hands.

The Mavericks got within eight points in the final minutes, and looked like closing the deficit further when Dirk Nowitzki blocked a layup by Houston's Aaron Brooks. However the German missed the turnaround 12-foot shot at the other end and the result was never in doubt again.

Hornets 108, Suns 95

In Phoenix, New Orleans held off a rally to spoil the home debut of new Phoenix coach Terry Porter.

Chris Paul had 20 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds for the Hornets, who never trailed and had made a 2-0 start to the new season.

The Suns committed 24 turnovers, resulting in 21 New Orleans points.

Cavaliers 96, Bobcats 79

In Cleveland, LeBron James scored 22 points as Cleveland won its home opener by downing Charlotte.

Daniel Gibson had 20 of his 25 points in the first half when Cleveland opened a 17-point lead. The Cavaliers spoiled well-traveled coach Larry Brown's debut with the Bobcats.

James just missed a triple-double, adding nine rebounds and nine assists in only 30 minutes.