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Big Chinaman Makes Big Difference

Yao Ming?s return to the Rocket?s lineup has been a blessing in the sky for the struggling Rockets who were seriously undermanned without him. With Yao in the lineup, the Rockets can finally take off and might stand the off chance of making it into the playoffs. If you needed any proof of what Yao means for the Rockets, take a look at what he did for them in his last game.

Yao poured in 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while hitting 9-of-9 from the foul line. During this stretch Yao is averaging 22 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks per game. If he can continue to put up those numbers the Rockets could very well challenge for a playoff berth. It will certainly make it easier for McGrady to get some rest if Yao will provide that kind of offense.

The real question that stands out after four straight wins is whether or not Yao Ming can continue to play at the level he?s been playing at. I have to wonder just how much his toe was hurting him before he finally decided to have the surgery. He?s playing his best basketball as a Rocket over this stretch, making me wonder if the injury truly was slowing him terribly early in the season.