Yao Ming's minutes increased and so did his offensive output.

Yao scored 22 points and second-round pick Steve Novak added 17 points, including five 3-pointers, as the Houston Rockets cruised to a 111-97 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in a preseason game.

After contributing eight points on 3-of-9 shooting and eight rebounds in 15 minutes of his preseason debut Tuesday against Dallas, Yao saw nearly double the amount of time on Wednesday, converting 8-of-21 attempts and all six foul shots. He sat out the first two exhibition contests due to toenail surgery.

Yao, who also grabbed seven rebounds, sparked an 8-0 run to end the first half with a pair of free throws and capped it with a layup for a 60-51 cushion at the break.

Kirk Snyder had 15 points and Rafer Alston chipped in 12 for the Rockets, who made 14 3-pointers. Tracy McGrady, Bonzi Wells and Shane Battier did not play.

Michael Redd scored 21 points in 20 minutes for the Bucks, who sank 11-of-19 shots from the arc. Lynn Greer netted 15 points, Mike Harris added 14 and second-round selection David Noel had four steals but missed all three shots in 23 minutes.

(Xinhua News Agency via nba.com October 19, 2006)