Houston Rockets' center Yao Ming (R) forces his way atop New Orleans Hornets' Tyson Chandler in an NBA game on Sunday.   Nov. 6 - Yao Ming had 17 points and ten rebounds in the Houston Rockets' second road match in New Orleans, where the team lost 96-90 to their hosts, the Hornets.

 

Yao, who averaged 29 points through the first two games, was limited by early foul troubles and played only 27 minutes on the court.

 

Shane Battier hit a team high score of 18 points for the Rockets, while Tracy McGrady added 14.

 

David West scored 20 points and Chris Paul tied a career high with 16 assists as the Hornets claimed their third victory in a row.

 

NBA three-point shootout champion Peja Stojakovic fired five three-pointers for the Hornets, finishing with 16 points.