"Yao Ming, happy to no longer wear the protective boot on his sprained left ankle, believed he had taken the lead in his race with guard Aaron Brooks in who will return to the floor quicker.

Both would return in early December if they are out the minimum projected time. Still, Yao was happy to have cleared another hurdle.

"I think that's a very active signal there," Yao said. "It feels so comfortable, so good to wear regular shoes walking. Let's move on. I almost forgot to wear socks today.

"I think I have a pretty good chance (in the race with Brooks) now."

"Please," Brooks said. "They said the boot might help. I can go without it, but I can (heal) faster if I keep it on. It's not a setback at all. I don't want anyone to keep it and slow down my progress of beating Yao."