Yao Ming

Firstpost Explains: The NBA-China confrontation and why the Asian country matters to the league

What led to the standoff between China and the NBA? What has the fallout been? Why have stars like James Harden apologised? Why does China matter so much to the NBA? Why hasn't NBA apologised to China or forced Houston Rockets to fire Morey? Firstpost Explains:

Despite ongoing backlash from Chinese fans, NBA likely to retain status as most popular basketball league in China

NBA commissioner Adam Silver admitted this week the league had already suffered 'fairly dramatic consequences' from the tweet by Rockets general manager Daryl Morey.

NBA won't apologise for Houston Rockets official's pro-Hong Kong tweet, says league commissioner Adam Silver

The tweet posted Friday has provoked an international firestorm, with China suspending broadcasts of NBA exhibition matches on its state broadcaster and sponsors cutting ties with the Rockets

NBA: Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass's statement on Houston Rockets saga slightly altered in Chinese translation

The divergent language in the NBA's Chinese Weibo statement appears to be an effort to assuage people in China who have expressed outrage over Morey's initial tweet

Shanghai Sharks fan taunt opponents with chant about 1937 massacre of Nanjing on anniversary of mass killing

The Nanjing massacre is a hugely sensitive topic in China, which says that 300,000 people died in a six-week spree of killing, rape and destruction by the Japanese military.

Swimmer Michael Phelps slams WADA for lifting ban from Russia's anti-drugs body, calls for leadership change to counter doping

Olympic legend Michael Phelps called for new leadership in the fight against drugs in sport on Friday after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) controversially reinstated Russia's tainted anti-drugs body.

Watch: Houston Rockets honour trailblazing Yao Ming with emotional jersey retirement ceremony

The Houston Rockets feted Hall of Famer Yao Ming on Friday, retiring the Chinese star's jersey in an emotional halftime ceremony during their 121-117 overtime win over the Chicago Bulls.

NBA roundup: Russell Westbrook triple-double fuels Thunder, Boston Celtics top LA Lakers

Russell Westbrook produced his 25th triple-double of the season to propel the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 114-102 NBA victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Chris Paul to stay with Clippers; Houstan eye Howard

The contract is yet to be made official, but ESPN sources said that Paul had verbally agreed to sign it.

Injuries force Yao Ming to end career at 30

Chinese basketball star Yao Ming played eight seasons in the NBA, but missed 250 regular-season games over the past six years.