CRI听力：Huston Rockets Set a Special Night for Dikembe Mutombo

At halftime of Wednesday night's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Houston Rockets honored Dikembe Mutombo, the league's second-leading shot-blocker with a video tribute.

NBA commissioner David Stern was on hand for the ceremony.

"Other than his elbows and his finger pointing, you know, his fine block shot is great. He adds enormous value to a team in a classic sense."

Yao Ming, on crutches after breaking a bone in his left foot in late February, also attended the ceremony.

Rockets team owner Les Alexander presented Mutombo with a $500,000 check for the hospital that Mutombo built in the Democratic Republic of Congo.(www.hXen.com)

Mutombo, who is in his 17th season in the NBA, said he was deeply moved by the occasion.

"I think I'll be very emotional to see all my family members, friends, my fans and the owners here. You don't get many special nights like this in a lifetime. I'm just happy and very lucky. "

Meanwhile, Mutombo said he has yet to make the decision whether or not to retire from NBA after the season, but now he just wants to enjoy the remainder of the season.

Mutombo finished with 4 scores and 8 rebounds during his 18 minutes on the court. In the end, the Rockets beat the Timberwolves 97-86 to make the special night a real success.