I'll never forget the first time the Texans hosted the Patriots. Tony Banks started for an injured David Carr and nearly led Houston to an overtime victory in 2003. It was notable because the Texans beat Carolina that year, also at home, and did well against the two teams that would later square off in the Super Bowl in their building.
Andre Johnson was a rookie and Mike Vrabel had a pick. Tom Brady was a third year starter and was intercepted twice. Adam Vinatieri actually missed a game winner in overtime but later got another shot as the Texans couldn't get in range for Kris Brown.
I'll also never forget the first time the Texans beat the Patriots. Houston was trying to lock up its first winning season and get help to make the playoffs in the '09 capper. It didn't look good, down two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
After the Texans cut the lead to seven, Mario Williams came up with a big sack on third down and Jacoby Jones returned a punt to the Patriots' 34. Moments later Arian Foster, making his first ever start, was in the end zone with the equalizer.
Another Mario hit forced a shaky pass that Bernard Pollard picked off, setting the table for another Foster TD. It was a fun finish.
And I'll never forget the last time the Texans beat the Patriots. It had been a while. It was a Sunday nighter last season. Houston had trouble running the ball. But Deshaun Watson shredded the New England pass defense for 3TDs and a 140 quarterback rating.
Before you get all misty-eyed about who is not here from last year's team, players who caught 12 of those 18 completions and all three TDs are still here. The Texans have plenty of firepower to get the job done on offense.
Now comes the not so easy part of stopping a Patriot ground game that's in the top three in the league. Brady is long gone and Cam Newton only has three passing TDs….BUT he's run for nine scores, good for third in the NFL (yikes!).
Whatever the situation, it's the Patriots and it's always difficult and filled with drama. The action gets started Sunday at noon (Sports Radio 610, 1003 FM, KHOU).
In 2009, the Houston Texans secured a big win over the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium.
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
Houston Texans offensive tackle Eric Winston (73) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Houston. The Texans won 34-27 for their first winning season.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams (90) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Houston. The Texans won 34-27 for their first winning season. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans' Mario Williams (90) reacts to Connor Barwin (98) after sacking New England Patriot quarterback Tom Brady during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Houston. The Texans won 34-27 for their first winning season.(AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams (90) celebrates with teammates Connor Barwin (98) and DeMeco Ryans, rear, after sacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Houston. The Texans won 34-27 for their first winning season. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Houston. The Texans won 34-27 for their first winning season. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
Houston Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson (23) hits New England Patriots wide receiver Sam Aiken (88) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Houston. The Texans won 34-27 for their first winning season. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
Houston Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson (23) hits New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) after Edelman's catch and run for a first down during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
Houston Texans linebacker Bernard Pollard reacts after the New England Patriots failed to get a first down during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Houston. The Texans won 34-27 for their first winning season.(AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
Houston Texans safety Bernard Pollard (31) and teammate Glover Quin celebrate a touchdown on a fumble in the end zone by New England Patriots' Fred Taylor during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
Houston Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) catches a touchdown pass as New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Wilhite (24) and Brandon Meriweather (31) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Houston. The Texans won 34-27 for their first winning season.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
Houston Texans' Jacoby Jones, left, hauls in a touchdown catch in front of New England Patriots' Jonathan Wilhite, right, during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Houston. The Texans won 34-27 for their first winning season.(AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
Houston Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) celebrates his touchdown reception with teammate Andre Johnson (80) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Houston. The Texans won 34-27 for their first winning season.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
Houston Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Houston. The Texans won 34-27 for their first winning season.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
Houston Texans' Andre Johnson (80) runs with a catch during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Houston. The Texans won 34-27 for their first winning season.(AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (37) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Houston. The Texans won 34-27 for their first winning season.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (37) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Houston. The Texans won 34-27 for their first winning season.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans tight end Joel Dreessen (85) crosses the goal line for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 31: Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball over Shawn Marion #0 of the Dallas Mavericks on December 31, 2009 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)* Local Caption*Aaron Brooks; Shawn Marion
