Recently the Rockets' defense has been shredded by opponents, and Yao Ming believes that the crux of the problems for Houston is communication.

"Whether it's skill or following the game plan, I think it's how much you want to play defense," Yao said. "We need to communicate and talk to each other on the court. We didn't do that much of that, and we need to do more so that we're clear about who to guard and who's got the next guy and who's going to help. Also, who's going to help your man."

The Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, and Phoenix Suns have shot 254-of-528 against the Rockets in seven games this season, connecting at a 48.1 percent clip.

"Our defense is not where it needs to be when we play the top teams," Rockets' guard Tracy McGrady said. "Until we realize that, we're going to be an inconsistent ballclub."