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The USA basketball team got their first look at Yao Ming, the #1 pick in this past June's NBA draft, on August 22 before a packed house of over 19,000 at the Arena in Oakland. Ming, all 7'5' of him, made an impressive debut pouring in 13 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and swatting away 6 shots. But it was Team USA that came out on top 84-54 to continue their dominance in international competition.
Twelve NBA players comprise the U.S. team, including Defensive Player of the Year Ben Wallace (Pistons), and two other members of the All-NBA third team, Paul Pierce (Celtics) and Jermaine O'Neal (Pacers). Even without the likes of Shaq, Kobe, McGrady, or Duncan the U.S. team improved to a 54-0 record since NBA players were allowed to compete in international competition. In addition to Wallace, Pierce, and O'Neal, the U.S. roster consists of Elton Brand (Clippers), Antonio Davis (Raptors), Baron Davie (Hornets), Michael Finley (Mavericks), Raef LaFrentz (Nuggets), Shawn Marion (Suns), Andre Miller (Clippers), Reggie Miller (Pacers), Jay Williams (Bulls) and collegiate Nick Collison from the University of Kansas.
The attraction, however, was no doubt Yao Ming. Ming missed his first shot, a turnaround one-hander, but then made his next three -- a pair of mid-range jumpers and a follow dunk off a miss. He missed a 3-pointer and committed a double-dribble violation after showing some quick hands to intercept a pass. His first impression was no doubt a favorable one to the U.S. players, including Finley, who said, "To play against him was an eye-opening experience for me. He's a lot better than what I thought. He earned our respect.''
Finley led the U.S. team with 19 points, Shawn Marion had 14, and Indiana Pacer teammates Jermaine O'Neal and Reggie Miller scored 12 and 10 respectively.
"He blew away my expectations with the way he played,' said Jay Williams, who was drafted immediately after Ming by the Chicago Bulls.
In the second half, Ming showed he would not be intimidated by the group of U.S. All-Stars when he set a hard pick on Miller that brought U.S. coach George Karl off the bench to complain. Possibly the highlight of the evening was Ming's block of Antonio Davis, who attempted to sky over the 7'5' giant. But it was Ming who got the better of that initial battle by getting the block and sending the Chinese team the other way on a fast break.
In the end, the Yao Ming sideshow was not enough to derail the thundering locomotive known as the USA National Basketball Team. Team USA will have one more exhibition game before they head back to Indiana for the World Championships, which will take place August 29 – September 8.
The United States will take on fellow Group C member Algeria on August 29, Germany on the 30th before a rematch with Yao Ming and China on August 31.
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