WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Milwaukee Journal Sentiel Wednesday gave credit to the Bucks' Chinese Yi Jianlian, saying the 20-year-old rookie had more to show the Orlando Magic.

    The newspaper, the largest daily in Milwaukee, said the first time Yi faced the Magic, he was making his debut in the National Basketball Association. The Bucks' 7-foot power forward had nine points and fouled out in 25 minutes that night as the Magic cruised to a 102-83 victory in central Florida.

    On Wednesday, Yi's education continued, but this time he had more to show the Magic. Yi finished with 18 points, one off his NBA-best total set Nov. 9 against Houston. He was 7 for 11 from the field while adding seven rebounds and two assists in 34 minutes. And he committed just one foul, even though he spent sometime guarding high-scoring Magic forward Rashard Lewis.

    According to the newspaper, Yi played a key role in the Bucks' strong start, as they built a 17-point lead late in the first half, en route to a 100-86 victory. He was 4 for 4 from the field and had 10 points in the first quarter.

    Yi got started with a move into the lane and a short left-handed shot, and he followed moments later with a tip-in. Then he hit his next three shots, all jumpers, and was 5 for 5 early in the second quarter as the Bucks grabbed a 34-20 lead.

    "After playing 20 games, there are a lot of things that are better than before," Yi said. "I've got used to a lot of things on the court."

    Yi was happy to see the Bucks pile up 24 assists on 35 made baskets, while shooting 50% from the field. Redd had nine assists and barely missed a triple-double (27 points, 10 rebounds), and point guard Mo Williams added seven assists.

    "Tonight we did a great job out there," Yi said. "We passed the ball, shared the ball and a lot of points came from the assists."