GUANGZHOU, China — Though the U.S. national team's comfortable 119-73 victory Monday against China in a World Championship tune-up here was no surprise, the show highlighted basketball's growing popularity in the world's most populous nation.

The Houston Rockets center did not play in Monday's exhibition because of an injured left foot, but he took to the court to thank fans and promise a better performance next time,so did Wangzhizhi,who injured his knee in a warm-up against France two weeks ago.

Yao Ming and Wangzhizhi
[500x339]

[361x500]