Post season is where great players shine.

It took more than 6 years, for Yao to really shine in the post season. With bruised knee, probably bruised ribs, and some cuts and scratches here and there, Yao Ming stood tall in the staple center. He really put his signature in the game - just win the game, no matter what it takes.

Yao was perfect 9-9 from the floor, and 6-6 from the FT line, in game 1 of the first round playoff this year. Fans know he could do that, when defense doesn't give him enough respect - double and front. But last night's game was different, not only he scored more points, but also he scored most of them in the second half. Not only he was perfect from the FT line, he was 2-2 from mid range jumper, he countered Gasol's fronting and Bynum's attempt to put pressure on him offensively, but also he was truly inspirational. It was a game full of passion. I literally cringed when he fell down in obvious severe pain - not again, the season is gone? But TNT did a great job following him all the way to the tunnel, and Yao insisted he was fine and wanted to be checked back into the game. At that moment, he really stood tall in a normally hostile Staple Center. Lakers fans were applauding and cheering for him, because as basketball fans, they do appreciate the fighting spirit. Talent comes and goes, and the real fighting spirits stay with warriors and winners.

As Yao Ming said the best, without TMac, they are not a talented team, but a hard-working unit. You could sense the one for all, all for one, team spirit. Once again, it's a collective team win, led by Yao and Battier, great contribution from AB and Ron. My breakdowns for those ones deserve special props.

Yao was a warrior, and he delivered, especially in the second half. He was patient but also determined, as Collins said he has grown. Those 2 long jumpers he knocked down in the fourth, he would probably have passed in last year, after a few turnovers and missed easy shots. You could see from his eyes, he really wanted this win, and those 2 early cheap fouls actually helped him get a good rest and calm down. The way he came back to the game after the knee bruise was truly inspiring. He led by example.

AB played a great game last night. He was confident and aggressive. When he played in rhythm, he also passed much better. Although he was only credited for 2 assists, he passed a lot better and early to the wing to Shane and Ron, for post entry passes. Those baskets broke the tie in the fourth were huge, so was the loose ball he fought back from Gasol after Yao's turnover. After I bashed him hard in some of the round 1 games, he deserves a lot of credit for this win.

Shane is Shane, a true tough guy. As the captain of the team, he also has grown this year, not basketball wise, but leadership wise. He stepped up both on and off court this year. His non-stop body guarding Kobe, made him work for every single shot he put up. Shane's great defensive effort and capability gave us a chance to beat the Lakers - he made Kobe a jump shooter, and a volume shooter. He didn't let Kobe provoke him with the dirty play, kept his cool and truly delivered.

Ron, what can I say? High efficient offense and tough defense. He scored when we needed the points desperately, he passed when Yao was in position, he defended those long LA players hard. A great game from Ron, always level-headed and very consistent.

Hayes, just like in the Portland series, he was ready no matter when you play him and how much you play him. He played great when Yao got those 2 cheap fouls, and held Gasol and kept him frustrated, with his solid defense and cleverness.

RA, this was a very well coached game, especially the 2 small quick guards lineup towards the end of the game really threw Lakers off. They couldn't handle the speed of AB and Lowry.

I don’t think this will be a one time wonder. Rockets still has a great chance in game 2. Why? Lakers’ attitude. They were certainly arrogant and complacent, when the whole nation was singing them praises. Rockets had much more fire in the round 2 opening. However, it’s not just a Lakers stinker or a perfect Rockets game. Both teams made tons of mistakes, but Rockets wanted much more from the get-go. From players to coach, they all talked about how they took it too lightly and this was a wake-up call. But in fact, Rockets beat them, both plan wise and execution wise.

As I said before, Rockets’ chance is in Bynum starting. Kobe shrugged off the question about his tough shooting game, as if he would shoot those hand in face contested jumpers better next time. Actually, those are 30% tough jump shots for any great players. Shane is just a smart defensive player. He made Kobe work for every shot, constantly force him to left, and never fell for his ball fake. It was a true beauty at one possession near the end, at the right block. Kobe turned left and right, Shane just put his hand up and stayed with him, when Kobe finally give up on the idea to get Shane loose, went for a tough fade-away. Shane stood straight with both hands up, without any toe leaving the floor, he didn’t give refs any chance to bail Kobe out. That’s just smart basketball. If Kobe comes out to seek personal redemption, to force the issue again, with all the pressure on Lakers in game 2, since LO and Gasol have never responded well under pressure in the past, Rockets could actually dream of stealing game 2. That would be a true steal, for I don’t buy the argument that they stole game 1. Because they came hungrier and well-prepared. Blood drawn on Shane, shifted officiating back to fair, or even slightly in Rocket’s favor. Yao’s coming back with a long jumper, and 4 FTs were the final hit to achieve this KO. The players, from both team, looked at Yao differently, after that 4 minute mark. And imagine that, we survived Tony Brothers. Next game we might be Joey Crawford, so what? Yao survived Tony Brothers, and went to FT line 10 times.

This will be a heck of a series, and Yao starts to really shine in the post season for the first time. With the huge monkey off his back, I expect more signature games from him. Go Rockets!