Daily News Channel
When Yao Ming went down during the third game of the Houston Rockets’ Western Conference semifinals series versus the Los Angeles Lakers on May 8, the big man moaned and slapped the floor. Now it is Chinese fans’ turn to grimace after a team doctor announced Monday that the stress fracture in the Chinese basketball player’s left foot is more serious than previously feared, and could even end the 7’6″ center’s career.
Kobe Bryant inspired the Los Angeles Lakers to a dominant 100-75 home win over Orlando Magic in the first game of the 2009 NBA Finals. The All-Star guard contributed 40 points, nine rebounds and eight assists to power his side to victory in front of a sell out crowd at the Staples Center in his sixth appearance in the finals. Firepower was also provided by Pau Gasol, who chipped in with 16 points, and Lamar Odom who scored 11 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for the Lakers as the Magic were left adrift.