HOUSTON -- Houston Rockets center Yao Ming was held out of the team's final preseason game with the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night due to a hyper-extended left elbow.
Yao injured the elbow early against San Antonio on Wednesday night when he got tangled up under the basket with the Spurs' Rasho Nesterovic going for a rebound.
"It feels sore and there's a little pain, but it's not a big deal," Yao said. "I worry about it right now, but I think I will be getting better. I think I can play in a couple of days."
He left the game but returned to play 25 more minutes and got 13 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots.
An MRI taken on the elbow Thursday revealed a "partial tear" of the ligament, according to team officials. They said he will be evaluated on a daily basis. Full story
Former Spurs champ retires to coach
DALLAS -- Avery Johnson announced his retirement, officially ending his 16-year playing career and becoming a full-time assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks.
The 39-year-old Johnson played for Dallas in 2002-03, then re-signed with the Mavericks on Sept. 30 as a player-coach with no expectation of playing significant minutes.
He decided during the last few days to become a full-time coach.
Spurs waive Boumtje Boumtje
SAN ANTONIO -- The San Antonio Spurs waived center Ruben Boumtje Boumtje.
Boumtje Boumtje, signed by the Spurs on Oct. 4, play in five preseason games. The 7-footer averaged 2.8 points and 2.0 rebounds in 9.6 minutes.
The move trimmed the Spurs' roster 15 players.
