Yao Ming's 30 can't stop Rockets' slide
(NBA)
Updated: 2005-11-27 13:56

The Houston Rockets finally got Yao Ming to be more assertive, but that aggression may have cost them in the end.

Houston Rockets' Yao Ming, of China, reacts after being fouled while making a basket during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls Saturday, Nov. 26, 2005 in Houston. The Bulls beat the Rockets, 94-89. [AP]

Yao scored 14 of his season-best 30 points in the final period, but fouled out and could not prevent the Rockets from taking their seventh straight defeat, a 94-89 loss to the Chicago Bulls.

The three-time All-Star center had come under fire for his lack of aggressiveness with fellow All-Star Tracy McGrady sidelined with a back strain.

With Houston trailing, 75-60, in the opening stages of the final period, Yao scored six points during a 9-0 burst. The Rockets eventually tied it at 85-85 when David Wesley connected on a three-point play with 1:37 to go.

Kirk Hinrich answered on the Bulls' next possesion when he hit a driving layup and got Yao to foul out in the process. Although Hinrich missed the free throw, the damage had been done.

Ben Gordon and Andres Nocioni, who scored 17 apiece, each had uncontested shots near the basket for Chicago, which completed a six-game road trip with three straight wins.