The Houston Rockets are expected to be one of the contenders this season after reaching the Western Conference Finals and eventually bowing down to the champions, Golden State Warriors.

Not only that, they got the major upgrade in the point guard position they were waiting for in Ty Lawson, as well as retaining the main core from last season's team.

However, they are off to a very poor start as they currently stand at 4-4 while also losing to a winless Brooklyn Nets team. It can be said that they are still adjusting to the play of one another and given some time, they might get back to shape.

Looking on the bright side, the Houston Rockets have two unsung heroes this season so far. Nope, not James Harden and Dwight Howard, but Marcus Thornton and Clint Capela. Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen was able to speak with head coach Kevin McHale and he is so impressed with the showing of both players so far this season.

"He's a very good passer and he's a good on-ball defender," McHale referring to Thornton. "All of our guys have to get better as off-ball defenders. But he's kind of one of those old time (types.) He's a baller."

"Marcus can also dribble drive. He'll attack, and he's a very good passer late. That's the one thing I found out about Marcus. He'll get on top of the rim and find people late."

Thornton, meanwhile, is pleased that his play is being recognized but he said that the credit should go to Dwight and James for drawing the defense, giving him those open shots.

"It's been great. It's been a long time since I've been in an offense with coaches that have the confidence in you," Thornton said. "When you have Dwight and James, I'm standing out there getting open shots. Sometimes it's crazy, I'm like, 'Damn, I'm so wide open.'" It's on me to step up and knock down the shot."

Speaking of Capela, the 21-year old rookie has proven that he is a valuable back-up to Dwight Howard.

"Clint's been fantastic for us," Rockets coach Kevin McHale said. "He battled in there. He got pushed out (on) one rebound, but he stood his ground more. He's finding out, you got to hit first. You got to carve out space. You got to be big. He had a big offensive put back for us when we needed one. I couldn't be any happier with Clint."