numbers, paid tribute to the 1975–1995 uniforms. The modern "R" logo and white double arches on the side were an homage to the 2003–2019 uniforms. The Rockets retained this "City" uniform in the 2022–23 season. Mascots The mascot was introduced on March 14, 1995, formerly known as "Clutch" . From 1993 to 1995, the mascot was Turbo, a costumed man that performed acrobatic dunks and other maneuvers. In 1995, the Rockets debuted Clutch the Bear as a second mascot, a large teddy bear-like mascot that performs a variety of acts during the games. After eight years of serving as dual mascots, the performer playing Turbo retired, making Clutch the sole mascot for the team. The mascot was considered and voted fifth for the most recognizable mascot in the league, and was also inducted in the 2006 mascot Hall of Fame. Rivalries The Rockets have developed many rivalries within the Western Conference ever since the team returned there in 1980. Two are intrastate rivalries, with the San Antonio Spurs, who moved along with the Rockets after four years with them in the Eastern Conference, and the Dallas Mavericks, introduced that very season. Houston has faced both Texas teams in the playoffs since 1980, beating the Spurs three times and losing once. The Rockets lost twice to the Mavericks, while beating them once. Other famed rivalries were with the Los Angeles Lakers, who in the 1980s Showtime era only missed the NBA Finals when beaten by the Rockets, and the Utah Jazz, who the Rockets beat in both championship seasons but were defeated by Utah in five other occasions. Honors and statistics Individual honors NBA Most Valuable Player Award Moses Malone – 1979, 1982 Hakeem Olajuwon – 1994 James Harden – 2018 NBA Finals MVP Hakeem Olajuwon – 1994, 1995 NBA Scoring Champions Elvin Hayes – 1969 James Harden – 2018, 2019, 2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Hakeem Olajuwon – 1993, 1994 NBA Rookie of the Year Ralph Sampson – 1984 Steve Francis – 2000 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Eric Gordon – 2017 NBA Most Improved Player Aaron Brooks – 2010 NBA Coach of the Year Tom Nissalke – 1977 Don Chaney – 1991 Mike D'Antoni – 2017 NBA Executive of the Year Ray Patterson – 1977 Daryl Morey – 2018 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award Calvin Murphy – 1979 Dikembe Mutombo – 2009 NBA All-Defensive First Team