Yao Ming has told the Houston Chronicle that reports that he and Tracy McGrady do not speak and that he wants T-Mac off the team are not true.

"I'm upset," he said, "(that) this news is fake."

"We've been talking," Yao said. "The locker room is very good. In there, we're joking. I think it's been a tough time for us, for the Rockets, a lot of rumors, just like in the summer will come out."

"It's easy when a team is going the right way, going good, is winning. Everybody is good. This is a tough time for us. We need to stay together, stay tight, fight through it. That's how you show the teamwork, show how good you are.

"That (story) surprised me, really surprised me. That's the first time in my career I heard that. I heard other stories, but not about me. Now is the first time it happened to us. Whatever they say outside, I feel we need to keep inside that room, in close, and we fight like a team."

Color him unflappable. In a season of injury and tension and disappointment, there aren’t many nicer things you can say about Rockets coach Rick Adelman.

“He’s just a really calm guy, and that’s something you come to love,” Rafer Alston said. “He was rock-solid through the 22-game winning streak, and he has been the same way through the ups and downs of a season like this.”

This season was supposed to be different for the Rockets. Surely, they wouldn’t be decimated by injuries again. Surely, they would get past the first round of the playoffs this time.

The Daily Dose: Houston grows weary of waiting on T-Mac
By David Aldridge, TNT analyst

A lot of times, one win is all you need to forget your troubles in the NBA. Two and you're rolling. Three, and it's, "Who dares to play us in the first round?"

But there are also times when a win streak is only a mirage, wet soap covering up hidden ugliness inside the window.

This is Houston. And, yes, they have a problem. (God, I hate using that old, tired, trite saying. Please, help me come up with another one. Like, "Houston, why didn't they base a high-ratings series on your town?" Or, "Houston, what do you do with the Astrodome these days?" Anything new would be greatly appreciated.)

The last shot that never should have been taken had long since clanged away.

The Rockets had come as far as they could and had fallen 30 seconds short. Their last chance ended when, trailing by 3, Yao Ming had failed to see Aaron Brooks wide open in the corner and instead put up a shot that even if it had gone in, would have left the Rockets a point short of the Lakers.

Rockets Circling The Wagons
Team relying on depth to see it through latest injury issues

Little Aaron Brooks has come up big for the Rockets time and time again this season.

Jason Friedman
Rockets.com Staff Writer

Houston - The news swept through the message boards and media horde like a wildfire. Tracy McGrady was going back on the shelf for at least two weeks in order to fully focus on his continued efforts to return to form following offseason knee surgery.

Luther Head, Rockets: If not for the Rockets' persistent injuries, Head would be gone by now. He's eager to find a new team because there aren't enough minutes for him in Houston with Rafer Alston and Aaron Brooks at the point. The Nets are looking for a backup point guard, so New Jersey could be a fit.

By FRAN BLINEBURY Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle

Don’t count Dikembe Mutombo among those who are applauding Yao Ming’s recent penchant for stepping in front of driving opponents to draw a charge.

HOUSTON -- Tracy McGrady wasn't there. And yet he was everywhere.