Mavericks run record to 12-0

<br>DALLAS (AP) _ Yao Ming flipped in a short basket and turned it into a 3-point play. Then he blocked a shot, came back downcourt and turned a rebound into a layup. His next time on offense he grabbed

Friday, November 22nd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DALLAS (AP) _ Yao Ming flipped in a short basket and turned it into a 3-point play. Then he blocked a shot, came back downcourt and turned a rebound into a layup. His next time on offense he grabbed a rebound, was fouled hard and nailed two free throws.

In his first 103 seconds Thursday night, Yao showed why he was the first pick of the draft and why the Houston Rockets are so excited about his future. Then came the fourth quarter, when he reminded everyone how far he still has to go.

Yao played nine minutes in the final period, but scored just one point and failed to take a shot as the Rockets lost to the Dallas Mavericks 103-90.

While Dallas improved to 12-0, matching the fourth-best start in NBA history and setting a franchise record for consecutive wins, the sellout crowd at American Airlines Center and the national television audience went away talking about the 2.23-meter (7-foot-6) center from China.

``A lot of people are now aware of what he can do,'' teammate Steve Francis said.

In the only other NBA game Thursday night, Seattle beat Portland 89-85.

Yao set highs with 30 points, 16 rebounds and 33 minutes. His previous bests were 20 points, seven rebounds and 24 minutes. He was 10-of-12 from the field, making him 31 of his last 35, and 10-of-12 on free throws.

``From a technical standpoint, I felt very good,'' he said.

The Rockets were down by 10 when he entered with 3:28 left in the first quarter, then he went on a 7-0 run.

He had consecutive baskets in the second quarter that put Houston up 44-42, and he ran a fine give-and-go that Steve Francis finished with a high-flying dunk to tie the game at 62.

``We always thought he was going to be a good player, but not for a couple more years,'' Dallas coach Don Nelson said. ``He's got the whole package. He is some factor.''

But he's still learning.

Yao had 21 points and seven rebounds in 15 first-half minutes. Then Dallas mixed things up, fatigue set in and Yao wore out. His only point in the fourth quarter came on a free throw.

``I have to build up my endurance,'' Yao said.

Yao was glad to play Dallas' Shawn Bradley, who is the same height.

``I don't get many chances to play against a player as tall as me, so I was very excited,'' Yao said. ``I know I'm not the skinniest player in the NBA.''

Dallas broke the 62-all tie with an 11-0 run and it was never close again. The Mavericks led by as many as 17.

Michael Finley led Dallas with a season-high 28 points, including six 3-pointers, and Dirk Nowitzki had 24 points and nine rebounds.

The Mavs' next goal is matching Boston's 14-0 start in 1957-58, then the record of 15-0 set by Washington in 1948-49 and matched by Houston in 1993-94. Dallas next plays Saturday night at home against Seattle.

Nelson, the third-winningest coach in NBA history, tied the longest winning streak of his 25-year coaching career. He had a similar stretch with the 1981-82 Milwaukee Bucks.

``How many perfect people do you know? Well, here is one, baby,'' Nelson said, then punching the air for emphasis.

Trail Blazers 89, SuperSonics 85

At Seattle, Bonzi Wells scored 16 points, and Portland took the lead for good with a 14-1 third-quarter run.

Rasheed Wallace added 13 points to help the Blazers to their third straight victory after a 3-6 start. Gary Payton had 22 points and 14 assists for the Sonics, who fell a half-game behind first-place Sacramento in the Pacific Division.