Yao Ming continues to impress

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Yao Ming scored 21 points in 28 minutes on Tuesday as China defeated Angola, 83-74, during FIBA Diamond Ball tournament play in Nanjing, China. The Houston Rockets center is working his way back into shape after a stress fracture that cut short his most recent NBA season.

Yao made eight of 10 shots and grabbed five rebounds. The Associated Press reported that Yao ran the court with ease, with no apparent evidence that he’s hindered by the injury that had threatened his ability to play at the Beijing Games.

China Coach Jonas Kazlauskas said he would continue to play Yao for 25-30 minutes a game and rely on former Dallas Mavericks center Wang Zhizhi to fill the gaps.

Also in Diamond Ball play, defending Olympic champion Argentina beat Iran, 81-71. Iran is making its first Olympic basketball appearance since 1948.

Rockets forward Luis Scola scored 23 points for Argentina and San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili added 15 points. “I’m feeling good,” Ginobili said. “I just want to feel even better and play more.”