Asked before the game to answer a question in English, Houston's bright young rookie center Yao Ming said, "No. I want to make you learn some Chinese." The 7-foot-5 prodigy did not do any teaching Friday night.

With Theo Ratliff turning in his most inspired performance of the season -- 16 rebounds, six points and four blocked shots -- the Hawks built a huge lead and then hung on to end their six-game losing streak, 84-75.