Yao Ming s strongest Rockets in his heart, that year he formed the three giants with McGrady + Arte, and played against the Lakers until the tiebreak!

In the 2008-09 season, the Houston Rockets made the boldest reinforcement decision, signing Artest, known for averaging 20.5 points per game in the offseason to improve the team's defensive strength and wing firepower.

Later, Artest, who joined the Lakers, was known for his comprehensive offense and defense, but during the Rockets' period, his positioning turned more to organization and defense, and he could contribute 20.5 points and 2.2 steals per game, which immediately demonstrated his value. During the days when McGrady was sitting on the sofa, Yao Ming became the absolute core of the Rockets with his stable dominance. 2008‑09 In the regular season, Yao Ming played 77 games, averaging 19.7 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of up to 54.8%, showing the top level on both offense and defense. Faced with the dilemma of McGrady being reimbursed for only 35 games due to injury, Yao Ming was not afraid of the heavy burden and led the team to an excellent record of 53 wins and 29 losses, ranking fifth in the Western Conference. In the first round of the playoffs, the Rockets face the Trail Blazers. In the first game, Yao Ming made 9 of 9 shots, scored 24 points in the first half, contributing 24 points and 6 rebounds in the game, and helped the team beat their opponents 108-81 away with a 100% shooting percentage, successfully winning the series to a good start. In the second round semifinals, the Rockets played against the Lakers at Staples Center. In the first home game of the Lakers, Yao Ming was slightly injured in a fierce confrontation with Kobe, but insisted on returning. He led the team to win with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks, setting off a frenzy in the stadium.

However, in the third game of the series, Yao Ming, who had suffered another injury, was forced to leave the field early, and the Rockets fell behind 1-2 for a time. Although the team strongly supported it, Artest, Bathir and others also fought hard, the Rockets finally lost in the tiebreak and were eliminated 2-4 in the series.

Looking at the 2008-09 season, the 53-win regular season record, Artest's strong joining and Yao Ming's heroic performance in the key battle are still talked about by fans today. Although this iron-blooded rocket failed to complete the championship, it has created the most memorable historical chapter.