The Rockets' statistics reflect the Jeff Van Gundy style, not at all the quality of their talent. They are 29th in scoring, 28th in rebounding, 27th in steals and 23rd in blocks even with Yao. Their field-goal attempts are 26th most, and they are 29th in free throws, showing a lack of penetration to the basket.

Tracy McGrady led the league in scoring during the last two seasons with a combined average of more than 30 points per game, but he has had only two games this season over 25 points. Yao, averaging 17.8, has been in single digits five times this season, twice in the last two games against teams without dominating centers.

"My game right now, I'm hesitant on the offensive end and I can't get into a rhythm," McGrady said after Saturday's loss to the Jazz. "I really don't feel in sync on the court. I can't get into the flow at all. I don't know what it is."

Sam Smith of the Chicago Tribune suggests that the problem is Jeff Van Gundy.

McGrady needs to get easy baskets in transition to open up his perimeter game. Improved rebounding would help. Yao is one of the league's best running centers, but he's walking into the defense too much.

"Neither of those guys has played like we need them to play to win down the stretch," Van Gundy said last week.

The style Van Gundy favors wears out players. The Rockets aren't great, but they have too much talent to allow lesser teams to stay in the game with limited possessions.

"Do we have enough personality? Do we have enough fight?" Van Gundy asked. "Every team follows a certain personality. Who are we following? I'm not sure. The coach should have a group playing with energy and passion, and obviously I don't have that right now. Certainly if the results don't change, we'll need to change either who plays or who's here."