Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets beat Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers 100-92 on Monday night to take game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.

“I think we were hungry to win the first game, like we had in the first game of the last (series),” Yao said. “We know we have to respect them. They will come back strong in Game 2.”

Yao Ming led the Rockets with 28 points and 10 rebounds. Ron Artest added 21 points and Aaron Brooks added another 19.

Game 2 is on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.