"Kevin Martin could have understandably preferred to run next to one of those never shoot, pass first (second and third) point guards. But if you ask him, that's not his style.

Those traditional point guards have their place, to be sure. And perhaps Martin just doesn't know what he's missing, having never in his previous six NBA seasons shared a backcourt with a conventional quarterback of a point. But to Martin, the best running mate is the kind that can fill it up, too; the sort that can keep defenders occupied and opposing coaches awake at night.

"It seems like that's all I've been playing with in my career," Martin said. "Everybody says, 'You haven't played with just a passing point guard,' but I really don't want to. I played with Mike Bibby when he was scoring 20 a game. I played with Tyreke (Evans). Now I'm playing with Aaron (Brooks). I'm an efficient two-guard. I don't mind playing with a scoring point guard. It's kind of fun, actually.

"We realize it starts with us. It's going to pay off for this team."

As much as the Rockets' success depends on unpredictable factors ranging from Yao Ming's comeback to the defense's revival, they are certain about the offensive strength of their one-two punch.

"Those two guys have to score for us to be successful," said coach Rick Adelman. "We have to find a way to be sure they get their volume shots. It puts the pressure on the other team. They're a tough duo to match up with. We have to be sure we get them touches and opportunities with the ball."

"Those two guys have to score for us to be successful," said coach Rick Adelman. "We have to find a way to be sure they get their volume shots. It puts the pressure on the other team. They're a tough duo to match up with. We have to be sure we get them touches and opportunities with the ball."

Martin and Brooks were the NBA's top-scoring backcourt (per minute) in the preseason, averaging a combined 61.3 points per 48 minutes. Martin was particularly efficient, averaging 16.4 points in just 21.9 minutes, trailing only Amar'e Stoudemire and LeBron James in points per minute in the preseason. Brooks averaged 12.5 points."