who did the houston rockets play in the playoffs
Golden State Warriors Utah Jazz Minnesota Timberwolves
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playoffs, Houston easily beat the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz before another confrontation with the Golden State Warriors. In game 5 of the Conference Finals, the Rockets took a 3–2 lead in the series, but saw Paul leave with an injured hamstring. His absence was felt in the two remaining games, where Houston led by halftime only to suffer a comeback by Golden State. "List of the last five seasons completed by the Rockets. For the full season-by-season history, see List of Houston Rockets seasons." "Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, % = Winning percentage"
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2007–08 Houston Rockets season The 2007–08 Houston Rockets season was their 41st season in the National Basketball Association and 37th in Houston. The Rockets won at least 50 games for the second straight season and made the playoffs also on the back of a 22-game winning streak, the fourth longest in the history of the NBA. The Houston Rockets came into the 2007–2008 playoffs without Yao Ming, who was still injured. This injury contributed to the Rockets' elimination by the Utah Jazz in the first round (2–4). This was the second consecutive season where the Rockets' had their season ended
2007–08 Houston Rockets season
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second in the Midwest Division with a 57–25 record. Barkley, Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler and head coach Rudy Tomjanovich represented the Western Conference during the 1997 NBA All-Star Game. However, Barkley and Drexler did not play due to injuries. In the first round of the playoffs, the Rockets swept the Minnesota Timberwolves in three straight games. In the semifinals, they jumped out to a 3–1 series lead over the Seattle SuperSonics. However, the Sonics would win the next two games to even the series at three games a piece. The Rockets would win Game 7 and advanced to the Western
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was a three time All-Southwest Conference First Team selection, (1980, 1981, 1982), the Southwest Conference Player of the Year (1980), and an All-American Second Team selection, in 1982. Teagle was selected 16th overall, in the 1982 NBA draft, by the Houston Rockets. He lasted two seasons in Houston (1982–84), before moving on to play with the Detroit Pistons (1984–85), Golden State Warriors (1984–90), and Los Angeles Lakers (1990–92), before returning to the Rockets to play two games in April 1993. He played in 732 games in the NBA (regular season and playoffs combined), with career averages of 11.6 points, 2.6
Terry Teagle
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winning streak. At midseason, the team re-acquired former Jazz guard Blue Edwards from the Boston Celtics. The Jazz won their final seven games finishing second in the Midwest Division with a 60–22 record. Malone and Stockton were both selected for the 1995 NBA All-Star Game. In the first round of the playoffs, the Jazz took a 2–1 series lead over the 6th-seeded Houston Rockets, but went on to lose the series in five games. Following the season, Chambers left to play in Israel, and Edwards left in the 1995 NBA Expansion Draft. (3) Utah Jazz vs. (6) Houston Rockets: "Rockets
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return to the Conference Finals for the first time in 18 years. In the Conference Finals, the Rockets were defeated by the Golden State Warriors 4–1. The 2015–16 season saw Kevin McHale fired after a bad start where the team only won 4 of its first 11 games, and assistant J. B. Bickerstaff took over coaching duties. Inconsistent play led to the Rockets struggling to remain in the playoff qualifying zone, and surrounded by trade rumors. Houston only clinched its 2016 playoffs spot by winning its last game, finishing the season 41–41 to earn an eight seed and a match-up
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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 faced both Texas teams in 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
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2006–07 Houston Rockets season The 2006–07 Houston Rockets season was the 40th season of the Houston Rockets franchise in the NBA. The team ended the regular season with a 52–30 record and a 3rd-place finish in the Southwest. The Rockets faced the Utah Jazz in the playoffs, losing the series in seven games. With the playoff loss, the Rockets made the decision to fire head coach Jeff Van Gundy on May 18, 2007. Five days later, former San Diego Rockets (now the Houston Rockets) player Rick Adelman was hired in Van Gundy's position. Like the previous two seasons, Tracy McGrady
2006–07 Houston Rockets season
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at the upcoming 1984 NBA draft, used to select Hakeem Olajuwon from the University of Houston. In his first season, Olajuwon finished second to Michael Jordan in NBA Rookie of the Year balloting, and the Rockets record improved by 19 games, good enough for a return to the playoffs as the third best team in the West, where they were upset by the sixth-seeded Utah Jazz. The Olajuwon and Sampson duo earned much praise, and was nicknamed "Twin Towers". In the following season, Houston won the Midwest Division title with a 51–31 record. The subsequent playoffs had the Rockets sweeping
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Toronto Raptors with a 108–105 loss. The team finished the season with 65 wins, a record both league-leading and the best in franchise history. During the playoffs, Houston easily beat the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz before another confrontation with the Golden State Warriors. In game 5 of the Conference Finals, the Rockets took a 3-2 lead in the series, but saw Paul leave with an injured hamstring. His absence was felt in the two remaining games, where Houston led by halftime only to suffer a comeback by the Warriors. History of the Houston Rockets The Houston Rockets are an
History of the Houston Rockets
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playoffs, Houston easily beat the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz before another confrontation with the Golden State Warriors. In game 5 of the Conference Finals, the Rockets took a 3–2 lead in the series, but saw Paul leave with an injured hamstring. His absence was felt in the two remaining games, where Houston led by halftime only to suffer a comeback by Golden State. "List of the last five seasons completed by the Rockets. For the full season-by-season history, see List of Houston Rockets seasons." "Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, % = Winning percentage"
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playoffs as the #8 seed. In the first round of the playoffs, in a rematch of last season's Western Conference Finals, the Rockets took a 2–1 series lead over the top-seeded Utah Jazz. However, they would lose the series in five games. Charles Barkley sat out Game 5 with a torn triceps muscle as the Jazz defeated the Rockets 84–70. This marked the final season for Clyde Drexler, as he retired to take over the head coaching job at the University of Houston, ending his fifteen-year career. Also following the season, Kevin Willis was traded to the Toronto Raptors, and
1997–98 Houston Rockets season
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of the season. However, the Rockets missed the playoffs despite finishing fifth in the Midwest Division with a winning record of 45–37, which was two games behind the 8th-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. This season marked an end of an era as Hakeem Olajuwon was traded to the Toronto Raptors following the season. Also following the season, Shandon Anderson was traded to the New York Knicks. 2000–01 Houston Rockets season The 2000–01 NBA season was the Rockets' 34th season in the National Basketball Association, and 30th season in the city of Houston. In an effort to shore up their front line, the
2000–01 Houston Rockets season
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advantage throughout the entire playoffs. However, the eighth-seeded Houston Rockets, who finished with a record of 41–41 due to numerous injuries, nearly gave the Jazz a scare when the Rockets, led by Drexler's 22 points, won the first game in the Delta Center 103–90. After the Jazz won Game 2 105–90, the Rockets won a grinding Game 3 89–85, led by a team-high 28 points and 12 rebounds from Olajuwon. The Utah Jazz were now one loss away from becoming only the second first-seeded team to lose to an eighth seed. The Rockets looked poised to win the fourth game,
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one series apiece. (2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Portland Trail Blazers: "Rockets win series 3–1" This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Rockets winning the first meeting. (3) Phoenix Suns vs. (6) Golden State Warriors: "Suns win series 3–0" This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Suns winning the first two meetings. (4) San Antonio Spurs vs. (5) Utah Jazz: "Jazz win series 3–1" This was the first playoff meeting between the Spurs and the Jazz. (2) Houston Rockets vs. (3) Phoenix Suns: "Rockets win series 4–3" This was the
1994 NBA Playoffs
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record, it was clear that the team was growing weary of Pat Riley's intense approach. The Lakers replaced Riley with Mike Dunleavy, Sr., formerly an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks. Dunleavy then abandoned the trademark Showtime offense in favor of a more deliberate style of play, but despite the change in playbook, the Lakers still enjoyed an impressive season, winning 58 games. In the playoffs, the Lakers swept the Houston Rockets in the first round, then eliminated Run TMC and the Golden State Warriors in the second round. Next up for the Lakers were the Portland Trail Blazers, who
1991 NBA Finals
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of their first 11 games. J. B. Bickerstaff, his assistant, took over the head coaching duties. The Rockets struggled to remain in the playoff contention throughout the season due to inconsistent play and injuries. Lawson was waived mid-season in a buyout agreement. Houston only clinched the eight seed in the 2016 playoffs by beating the Kings in the last game of the regular season. In the first round of the playoffs, the Rockets played the Warriors, who were coming off a record-breaking regular season. The Rockets once again lost to the Warriors in 5 games. After a disappointing season, the
History of the Houston Rockets
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Rockets' record only 26–26, Chaney was fired and replaced by one of his assistants, former Houston player Tomjanovich. Although the Rockets did not make the playoffs, in the next year, the Rockets won-loss record improved by 13 games, as they won 55 games. Olajuwon won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, and the Rockets clinched the Midwest title. The playoffs started with Houston's first series victory in 5 years by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers, before an elimination by the SuperSonics during a game 7 overtime loss in one of the classic postseason series in NBA History. On
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as champions the next year, and Olajuwon won Finals MVP once again. To date, the Rockets have not advanced to the finals again. The Rockets missed the playoffs from 1999–2003, and did not make the playoffs again until after they drafted Yao Ming in 2002. Since then, the Rockets have had a winning season in all but two of the next 14 seasons and, led by James Harden, advanced to the conference finals in 2015. The following is a list of all the players, both past and current, who have appeared in at least one game for the franchise. ("Updated
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Finals, where they lost again to Boston. In the next seven seasons, they lost in the first round of the playoffs five times. They did not win their first championship until 1994, when Olajuwon led them to a franchise-best 58 wins, and the championship. The Rockets repeated the feat in 1995, but in the following seasons, they did not advance to the finals again. They missed the playoffs from 1999 to 2003, and did not reach the playoffs again until they drafted Yao Ming in 2003. However, they would not advance past the first round of the playoffs for 13
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without the playoffs. After the season, head coach Rick Adelman was fired after four seasons with the team. <br> 2010–11 Houston Rockets season The 2010–11 Houston Rockets season was the 44th season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the 40th based in Houston. This season was Yao Ming's last in the NBA as he played only 5 games because of recurring injuries that interrupted his career. Despite his injuries, he was selected to play in the 2011 NBA All-Star Game as a starter, but he was unable to participate. Yao would then retire during the 2011
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the NBA. However, the second round against the Lakers had the Rockets losing 4-3 and Yao Ming suffering yet another season-ending injury, this time a hairline fracture in his left foot. During the 2009–10 season, the Rockets saw the departures of Artest in the off-season and McGrady, Joey Dorsey and Carl Landry during mid-season trades. Despite great play by Kevin Martin, who arrived from the Kings, and Aaron Brooks, who would eventually be chosen as the Most Improved Player of the season, the Rockets could not make it to the playoffs, finishing 42–40, 3rd in the Southwest Division. At that
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the playoffs, as soon as the season ended he was replaced by coach Tom Nissalke. Nissalke knew the Rockets had firepower but needed a rebounding center and a play-making guard, and he pressed the Rockets management to acquire college standout John Lucas – drafted first overall in the 1976 NBA draft, a pick Houston acquired by sending Gus Bailey, Joe Meriweather and the ninth pick to the Atlanta Hawks – and his former player at the ABA's Utah Stars Moses Malone – while Malone started the 1976–77 season with the Buffalo Braves, Houston acquired him by sending Buffalo first-round picks
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career highlights. (4) Dallas Mavericks vs. (5) Houston Rockets Both teams were tied 2–2 in the regular-season series: Last Playoffs meeting: 1988 Western Conference First Round (Dallas won 3–1) 2004–05 Houston Rockets season The 2004–05 NBA season was the Rockets' 38th season in the National Basketball Association, and their 34th season in the city of Houston. During the offseason, the Rockets acquired All-Star forward Tracy McGrady and Juwan Howard from the Orlando Magic, acquired All-Star center Dikembe Mutombo from the Chicago Bulls, who acquired him from the New York Knicks, and signed free agent Bob Sura. The Rockets struggled with
2004–05 Houston Rockets season
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through the 1991–92 season, with the Rockets' record only 26–26, Chaney was fired and replaced by his assistant Rudy Tomjanovich, a former Houston player himself. While the Rockets did not make the playoffs, Tomjanovich's arrival was considered a step forward. In the next year, the Rockets improved their record by 13 games, getting the Midwest Division title, and winning their first playoff series in 6 years by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers, before an elimination by the SuperSonics in a closely contested Game 7 overtime loss. On July 30, 1993, Leslie Alexander purchased the Rockets for $85 million. Following the
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a discontented Pippen to Portland (stating chemistry problems with old rival and now teammate Barkley), and Barkley suffered a career-ending injury, the rebuilt Rockets went 34–48 and missed the playoffs, for only the second time in 15 years. In the 2000–01 season, the Rockets worked their way to a 45–37 record, but still did not make the playoffs. In the following offseason, a 38-year-old Olajuwon requested a trade, and, despite stating their desire to keep him, the Rockets reached a sign and trade agreement, sending him to the Toronto Raptors. The proceeding season was unremarkable, as Houston's first season without
History of the Houston Rockets
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the Western Division to the Atlanta Hawks, four games to two. In 1970 NBA Draft, the Rockets drafted Calvin Murphy and Rudy Tomjanovich, who would both spend their whole careers with the Rockets. Despite being coached by Hall of Fame coach Alex Hannum, the Rockets only tallied a 67–97 record and did not make the playoffs in the next two seasons. Because of poor performance and attendance, Breitbard sold the team in 1971 to Texas Sports Investments, which was led by real estate broker Wayne Duddleston and banker Billy Goldberg. The group bought the franchise for $5.6 million, and immediately
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Hayes from the University of Houston. Hayes improved the Rockets' record to 37 wins and 45 losses, enough for the franchise's first ever playoff appearance in 1969, but the Rockets lost in the semi-finals of the Western Division to the Atlanta Hawks, four games to two. Despite the additions of Calvin Murphy and Rudy Tomjanovich and the management of Hall of Fame coach Alex Hannum, the Rockets tallied a 67–97 record in the following two seasons and did not make the playoffs in either season. Because of the low performance and attendance, Breitbard looked to sell the team, and in
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and Yao Ming once again were selected to play in the 2007 NBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas. However, McGrady was the only team representative as Yao did not play due to an injury. It was Yao's fifth All-Star appearance and the last of seven All-Star appearances for McGrady as later injuries began to slow him down and eventually limit his playing time. 2006–07 Houston Rockets season The 2006–07 Houston Rockets season was the 40th season of the Houston Rockets franchise in the NBA. The team ended the regular season with a 52–30 record and a 3rd-place finish in the
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1981 NBA Playoffs The 1981 NBA Playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1980–81 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Cedric Maxwell was named NBA Finals MVP. The playoffs are notable for being the second and final time to date that a team with a losing record advanced to the NBA Finals (the Minneapolis Lakers did it first in 1959 with a 33–39 record), as the Rockets won their first Western Conference title despite having a 40–42
1981 NBA Playoffs
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of play. He registered his first career triple-double against the Seattle SuperSonics on February 13, 2008, with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. In the 2008 playoffs, the Jazz faced the Houston Rockets in the first round for the second year in a row. Determined to not allow him to beat them, the Rockets geared their defense more to stopping Boozer and his production was somewhat limited (16.0 points and 11.7 rebounds per game), but the Jazz defeated the Rockets, 4–2. In the second round of the 2008 playoffs, the Jazz lost to the top seeded Los Angeles Lakers
Carlos Boozer
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1986–87 Houston Rockets season The 1986–87 NBA season was the Rockets' 20th season in the NBA and 16th season in the city of Houston. The Rockets entered the season as runner-ups in the 1986 NBA Finals, having lost to the Boston Celtics in six games. In the playoffs, the Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in four games in the First Round before losing to the Seattle SuperSonics in six games in the Semifinals. (3) Portland Trail Blazers vs.(6) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 3-1" Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series) (6) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Seattle SuperSonics:
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Conference Finals (1) Orlando Magic vs. (2) Indiana Pacers: "Magic win series 4-3" This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Pacers winning the first meeting. (1) Orlando Magic vs. (6) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 4-0" This was the first playoff meeting between the Rockets and the Magic. 1995 NBA Playoffs The 1995 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1994–95 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets defeating the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic 4 games to 0 in the NBA Finals. Hakeem Olajuwon was named
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defeating the Rockets in four games, leading to Fitch's dismissal. Don Chaney was hired to replace him and lead the Rockets to the playoffs in his first season in Houston, losing to the Seattle SuperSonics in four games thanks to a buzzer-beater that ended the Rockets season. Chaney was named the Coach of the Year for the 1990–91 season, after leading the Rockets to a 52-30 record despite Olajuwon's absence due to injury for 25 games. The Rockets were once again eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, 3–0 to the Lakers. Midway through the next season, with the
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wood. The color red will remain on the Rockets logo, and the script. This court design is similar to the Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Hornets, Phoenix Suns, and Portland Trail Blazers in which most of the hardwood is exposed. 2007–08 Houston Rockets season The 2007–08 Houston Rockets season was their 41st season in the National Basketball Association and 37th in Houston. The Rockets won at least 50 games for the second straight season and made the playoffs also on the back of a 22-game winning streak, the fourth longest in the history of the NBA. The Houston Rockets came into
2007–08 Houston Rockets season
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during his time in Houston, and he led the Rockets to the conference finals in his first year with the team. He also took the Rockets to the NBA Finals in 1981, but they were defeated in six games by the Boston Celtics. In 1984, the Rockets drafted Hakeem Olajuwon, who led them to the 1986 Finals in his second year, where they lost again to Boston. In the next seven seasons, they lost in the first round of the playoffs five times. They won their first NBA championship in 1994, led by Olajuwon, who won Finals MVP. They repeated
Houston Rockets all-time roster
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2016–17 Houston Rockets season The 2016–17 Houston Rockets season was the 50th season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and their 46th in the Houston area. On June 1, 2016, the Rockets named Mike D'Antoni as their new head coach. The Rockets retired the number 11 of former center Yao Ming in February 2017. The Rockets finished the regular season with a 55–27 record, securing the 3rd seed. In the playoffs, the Rockets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games in the First Round, advancing to the Conference Semifinals, where they lost in six games to
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the San Antonio Spurs. Traded mid-season "Source:" 2016–17 Houston Rockets season The 2016–17 Houston Rockets season was the 50th season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and their 46th in the Houston area. On June 1, 2016, the Rockets named Mike D'Antoni as their new head coach. The Rockets retired the number 11 of former center Yao Ming in February 2017. The Rockets finished the regular season with a 55–27 record, securing the 3rd seed. In the playoffs, the Rockets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games in the First Round, advancing to the Conference Semifinals,
2016–17 Houston Rockets season
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seed, leading to another elimination by the top-seeded Jazz. Drexler retired after the season, and the Rockets traded to bring in Scottie Pippen to take his place. In the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season, the Rockets lost to the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. After the 1999 draft, the Rockets traded for the second overall pick Steve Francis from the Vancouver Grizzlies, in exchange for four players and a first-round draft pick. However, after Houston traded a discontented Pippen to Portland, and Barkley suffered a career-ending injury, the rebuilt Rockets went 34–48 and missed the playoffs, for only the
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July 30, 1993, Leslie Alexander purchased the Rockets for $85 million. In Tomjanovich's second full year as head coach, the Rockets began the 1993–94 season by tying an NBA record with start of 15–0. Led by Olajuwon, who was named the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, the Rockets won a franchise-record 58 games. The Rockets recovered from being two games down to the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the playoffs, to advance to the finals. Houston was once again down by three games to two to the New York Knicks, but they managed to win the
History of the Houston Rockets
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"SuperSonics win series 4-2" Last Playoff Meeting: 1982 Western Conference First Round (Seattle won 2-1) 1986–87 Houston Rockets season The 1986–87 NBA season was the Rockets' 20th season in the NBA and 16th season in the city of Houston. The Rockets entered the season as runner-ups in the 1986 NBA Finals, having lost to the Boston Celtics in six games. In the playoffs, the Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in four games in the First Round before losing to the Seattle SuperSonics in six games in the Semifinals. (3) Portland Trail Blazers vs.(6) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 3-1"
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retire shortly thereafter). As for the two-time defending NBA champion Houston Rockets, their quest for a 3-peat was thwarted by Seattle. The Sonics swept the Rockets 4-0 in the Western Conference Semifinals. The Sonics were also the last team to defeat the Rockets in the playoffs before their two-year title run, in the 1993 Western Conference Semifinals (Seattle won 4–3). Also noted during their two-year title run, Houston never had to face Seattle in the playoffs as the Sonics were eliminated in the first round by both the Nuggets and the Lakers respectively. After the Lakers' first round loss to
1996 NBA Playoffs
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1981 Western Conference First Round (Houston won 2–1) "Boston beats Houston 4–2" 1985–86 Houston Rockets season The 1985–86 Houston Rockets season saw the Rockets lose the 1986 NBA Finals to the Larry Bird-led Boston Celtics in six games. In the playoffs, the Rockets swept the Sacramento Kings in three games in the First Round, then defeated the Denver Nuggets in six games in the Semifinals, before dethroning the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in five games in the Conference Finals after Ralph Sampson hit a 20-foot jumper as time expired in game five at The Forum to reach the
1985–86 Houston Rockets season
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Seattle SuperSonics for the #8 seed in the Western Conference. Akeem Olajuwon led the Rockets with 24.3 points, 14.0 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game, while being selected for the 1990 NBA All-Star Game. However, in the first round of the playoffs, they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in four games. The Rockets had no draft picks in 1989. (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Houston Rockets: "Lakers win series 3-1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1986 Western Conference Finals (Houston won 4-1) 1989–90 Houston Rockets season The 1989–90 NBA season was the Rockets' 23rd season in the National Basketball Association,
1989–90 Houston Rockets season
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berth since 1999, but the Lakers again handed the Rockets a loss in the first round. In the offseason, Houston saw major changes in the roster as the Rockets acquired Tracy McGrady in a seven-player deal with the Orlando Magic. The 2004–05 season saw McGrady and Yao lead the Rockets to their best record in 10 years, finishing at 51–31 and seeded fifth in the Western Conference playoffs. However, their season ended in the first round of the playoffs as they lost to their in-state rival, the Dallas Mavericks, in seven games, despite leading the series 2–0. The following season,
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All-Star Game along with Clyde Drexler. The Blazers were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round by a 3–1 margin against the Houston Rockets, who went on to win their first of two straight NBA championships. Game 4 of that series would be the last playoff game Drexler would play as a member of the Blazers, the team that drafted him; he would be traded to the Rockets on February 14, 1995 (right before the next season's trade deadline), honoring his wish to be traded to a contender. Following the season, head coach Rick Adelman was fired. (2)
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mark of 60 set in 1976, and achieving a free-throw percentage of .958, breaking Barry's record set with the Rockets in 1979. In the playoffs, Houston began a run that began when they upset Los Angeles two games to one, and then defeated George Gervin's Spurs four games to three in the Western Conference semifinals. This resulted in a conference finals matchup with the Kansas City Kings, who were led by Otis Birdsong, Scott Wedman, and Phil Ford. When the Kings fell to the Rockets in five games, the Rockets became the only team in NBA history to advanced to
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head coach midway through the 1991–92 season, ushering in the most successful period in franchise history. The Olajuwon-led Rockets went to the 1994 NBA Finals and won the franchise's first championship against Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks. The following season, reinforced by another All-Star, Clyde Drexler, the Rockets repeated as champions with a four-game sweep of the Orlando Magic, who were led by a young Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway. Houston, which was seeded sixth in the Western Conference during the 1995 playoffs, became the lowest-seeded team in NBA history to win the title. The Rockets acquired all-star
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Celtics, led by Larry Bird and future Rockets coach Kevin McHale. In 1984, the Rockets drafted center Hakeem Olajuwon, who would be paired with Ralph Sampson, forming one of the tallest front courts in the NBA. Nicknamed the "Twin Towers", they led the team to the 1986 NBA Finals—the second NBA Finals appearance in franchise history—where Houston was again defeated by the Boston Celtics. The Rockets continued to reach the playoffs throughout the 1980s, but failed to advance past the first round for several years following a second-round defeat to the Seattle SuperSonics in 1987. Rudy Tomjanovich took over as
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inspired by the 1994–95 championship uniforms and featured similar colors. On February 18, 2010, hours before the trade deadline, the Rockets acquired Kevin Martin, Jordan Hill, Hilton Armstrong, and Jared Jeffries in a three-team trade that sent Tracy McGrady to the New York Knicks, and Joey Dorsey and Carl Landry to the Sacramento Kings. Despite the stellar play of Martin and Aaron Brooks, with the latter being named the NBA Most Improved Player, the Rockets could not make it to the playoffs, finishing 42–40, 3rd in the Southwest Division. At that time, the Rockets set an NBA record for best
History of the Houston Rockets
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History of the Houston Rockets The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before moving to Houston, Texas. In the Rockets' debut season, they won 15 games. After drafting Elvin Hayes first overall in the 1968 NBA Draft, they made their first appearance in the playoffs in 1969. After Hayes was traded, Moses Malone replaced him. Malone won two Most Valuable Player (MVP)
History of the Houston Rockets
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April 11, 2018") Houston Rockets all-time roster The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in National Basketball Association (NBA). The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years before being moved to Houston. In the Rockets debut season, they won only 15 games. However, after drafting Elvin Hayes first overall in the 1969 NBA Draft, they made their first appearance in the playoffs in 1969. After Hayes was traded, Moses Malone was acquired to replace him. Malone
Houston Rockets all-time roster
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Houston Rockets all-time roster The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in National Basketball Association (NBA). The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years before being moved to Houston. In the Rockets debut season, they won only 15 games. However, after drafting Elvin Hayes first overall in the 1969 NBA Draft, they made their first appearance in the playoffs in 1969. After Hayes was traded, Moses Malone was acquired to replace him. Malone won two MVPs
Houston Rockets all-time roster
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first 15 games. However, they struggled losing ten of their last 15 games including three straight to close the season finishing third in the Midwest Division with a 42–40 record, missing the playoffs by just one game behind the 8th-seeded Lakers, who were without Magic Johnson who had retired due to HIV. Hakeem Olajuwon and Otis Thorpe were both selected for the 1992 NBA All-Star Game. Following the season, Buck Johnson signed as a free agent with the Washington Bullets. 42-40 1991–92 Houston Rockets season The 1991–92 NBA season was the Rockets' 25th season in the National Basketball Association, and
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with a 45–37 record, clinching the number 8 seed in the West. The Rockets season ended with a first round loss to Harden's former team, the Thunder in six games. As Houston hosted the 2013 NBA All-Star Game, Harden was the only representative. This was the seventh playoff meeting for these two teams, with Oklahoma City (previously Seattle) winning five of the six previous series. Last Playoffs meeting: 1997 Western Conference Semifinals (Houston won 4–3 over Seattle, the predecessor to Oklahoma City). 2012–13 Houston Rockets season The 2012–13 Houston Rockets season was the 46th season of the franchise in the
2012–13 Houston Rockets season
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the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs, with the Rockets as the 2nd seed and Mavericks the 7th seed, and the Rockets got the best of them 4–1. Dallas Mavericks win series 3–1. Dallas Mavericks win series 4–3. Houston Rockets win series 4–1. Mavericks–Rockets rivalry The Mavericks–Rockets rivalry is an interstate National Basketball Association (NBA) rivalry between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets. It is also known as the I-45 Rivalry because they both lie on Interstate 45. It is one of the three NBA rivalries between teams from Texas, the others featuring Houston and Dallas versus the
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round of the playoffs, this time to the Dallas Mavericks. McGrady and Yao missed a combined 70 games due to injury in the 2005–06 season, and Van Gundy did not make the playoffs for the first time in his NBA head coaching career. In May 2005, Van Gundy was fined $100,000 by the NBA, for accusing referees of targeting Houston Rockets center Yao Ming. Van Gundy blamed Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban for causing the referees' alleged bias. This is the largest fine handed down to a coach in NBA history. The injuries and disappointments continued for the Rockets into
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the Pistons. The Indiana Pacers made only their third playoff appearance since their NBA debut in the 1976–77 season; they proceeded to make the playoffs 16 out of the next 17 years (missing only in 1997). The Dallas Mavericks made their only playoff appearance of the decade. They did not return until 2001. Game 5 of the NBA Finals was the last NBA game to be televised on CBS. Champion: Portland Trail Blazers (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Houston Rockets: "Lakers win series 3–1" This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Rockets winning the
1990 NBA Playoffs
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1985–86 Houston Rockets season The 1985–86 Houston Rockets season saw the Rockets lose the 1986 NBA Finals to the Larry Bird-led Boston Celtics in six games. In the playoffs, the Rockets swept the Sacramento Kings in three games in the First Round, then defeated the Denver Nuggets in six games in the Semifinals, before dethroning the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in five games in the Conference Finals after Ralph Sampson hit a 20-foot jumper as time expired in game five at The Forum to reach the NBA Finals. In the NBA Finals, the Rockets faced off against the
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1980–81 Houston Rockets season The 1980–81 Houston Rockets season saw the Rockets lose the NBA Finals. The 1981 Rockets are the only team since the 1959 Minneapolis Lakers to make the NBA Finals with a losing record. In the playoffs, the Rockets defeated the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers in three games in the First Round, then defeated the San Antonio Spurs in seven games in the Semifinals, and the Kansas City Kings in five games in the Conference Finals, reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history, only to fall to the Boston Celtics in
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part of the same division since 1979, having moved to the Northwest Division for the 2004–05 season. During the 2012–13 season, the Jazz and the Lakers competed for the number 8 seed in the Western Conference. However, the Jazz did not qualify for the Playoffs; the Lakers passed the Houston Rockets in the standings to claim the number 7 seed, and the Rockets moved down to the number 8 seed. The Lakers would eventually lose in a four-game sweep in the first round versus the eventual Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs, who lost to the Miami Heat in seven
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1999–2000 Houston Rockets season The 1999–2000 NBA season was the Rockets' 33rd season in the National Basketball Association, and 29th season in the city of Houston. During the offseason, the Rockets acquired Walt Williams and Kelvin Cato from the Portland Trail Blazers, and signed free agent Shandon Anderson. The Rockets got off to a bad start losing ten of their first twelve games, as Hakeem Olajuwon played just 44 games due to injury. The Rockets finished sixth in the Midwest Division with a record of 34–48, failing to qualify for the playoffs, which was the first time they missed the
1999–2000 Houston Rockets season
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Vernon Maxwell averaged 17.0 points per game and led the league with 172 three-point field goals. Head coach Don Chaney was named Coach of The Year. However, in the first round of the playoffs, the Rockets were swept by the Los Angeles Lakers in three straight games, marking the second consecutive season the Rockets had their season ended by the Lakers. (3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Houston Rockets: "Lakers win series 3-0" Last Playoff Meeting: 1990 Western Conference First Round (Los Angeles won 3-1) 1990–91 Houston Rockets season The 1990–91 NBA season was the Rockets' 24th season in the
1990–91 Houston Rockets season
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During the four years the Rockets were in San Diego, they played their games in the San Diego Sports Arena, which had a seating capacity of 14,400. In their first season after moving to Houston, the Rockets did not have their own arena, and they played their first two years at various venues in the city, including the Astrodome, AstroHall, Sam Houston Coliseum and Hofheinz Pavilion, the latter eventually being adopted as their home arena until 1975. They also had to play "home" games in other cities such as San Antonio, Waco, Albuquerque, and even San Diego in efforts to
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The Clippers finished fourth in the Pacific Division with a 41–41 record, making their second consecutive playoff appearance. However, in the first round of the playoffs, they lost to the Houston Rockets in five games. Following the season, Larry Brown resigned and left to take a coaching job with the Indiana Pacers, Ken Norman signed as a free agent with the Milwaukee Bucks, and Vandeweghe retired. The Clippers would not make the playoffs again until 1997. (2) Houston Rockets vs. (7) Los Angeles Clippers: "Rockets win series 3-2" Last Playoff Meeting: Not available (first playoff series) Danny Manning selected as
1992–93 Los Angeles Clippers season
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finished third in the Midwest Division with a 31–19 record. Pippen had a solid season averaging 14.5 points per game, while rookies Michael Dickerson and Cuttino Mobley were both selected to the All-Rookie Second Team. However, in the first round of the playoffs, the Rockets lost one game to three to the Los Angeles Lakers. After the defeat, Houston didn't return to the playoffs until 2004. Pippen spent only one season with the Rockets, and was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers before the following season. Also following the season, Dickerson and Carr were traded along with Othella Harrington, and
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this year. The playoffs would tell more of that story. The Washington Bullets led by Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld won 60 games, a tie with the Boston Celtics for first in the league and the Houston Rockets led by Calvin Murphy and Rudy Tomjanovich reached their first season at .500 as well as made the playoffs for the first time in Houston and second in franchise history. The Chicago Bulls won 47 games to capture their first-ever division title (their only title of any kind before their Championship runs in the 1990s). As usual, Chicago did it with a
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complemented Harden and fit D'Antoni's style of play. When the 2016–17 season started, Harden was off to a great start and was widely considered a top MVP runner along with Kawhi Leonard, alongside former teammate Russell Westbrook. When the season ended, the Rockets were third in both the Western Conference and overall rankings, a major improvement from the season before. D'Antoni was named the NBA Coach of the Year, Eric Gordon the Sixth Man of the Year, and Harden finished second in MVP voting to Russell Westbrook. In the playoffs, the Rockets faced the sixth seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in
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is most memorable when ex-Celtic Kevin McHale was hired to be their new head coach for the upcoming season. The Rockets finished with a mediocre 34–32 record without the playoffs. Due to the 2011 NBA lockout negotiations, the programmed pre-season schedule, along with the first two weeks of the regular season were scrapped, and a two-game pre-season was set for each team once the lockout concluded. 2011–12 Houston Rockets season The 2011–12 Houston Rockets season was the 45th season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the 41st based in Houston. This was the first season since
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with the Celtics winning the first three meetings. 1986 NBA Playoffs The 1986 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1985–86 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Larry Bird was named NBA Finals MVP for the second time. This was the second NBA Finals meeting between the Celtics and Rockets; they met in the 1981 NBA Finals with the same result. It was the third of four straight Eastern Conference championships for Boston, who won 67
1986 NBA Playoffs
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1986 NBA Playoffs The 1986 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1985–86 season. The tournament concluded with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics defeating the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets 4 games to 2 in the NBA Finals. Larry Bird was named NBA Finals MVP for the second time. This was the second NBA Finals meeting between the Celtics and Rockets; they met in the 1981 NBA Finals with the same result. It was the third of four straight Eastern Conference championships for Boston, who won 67 games that year, and went 40–1 at home.
1986 NBA Playoffs
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Clutch City Clutch City is a nickname given to the city of Houston, Texas after the city's National Basketball Association (NBA) club, the Houston Rockets. "Choke City" was a "Houston Chronicle" front-page headline in 1994, given to the city of Houston after the Houston Rockets blew two consecutive commanding fourth-quarter leads at The Summit in the first two games of their Western Conference semifinals match-up versus the Phoenix Suns in the 1994 NBA Playoffs. This in effect took the series to Phoenix, Arizona down 0-2 in the best-of-seven series. It was feared at the time that the Rockets would follow
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5 games. At that time the Rockets gained popularity in Houston, selling out several home games during the regular season as the Rockets battled for a playoff spot and then selling out all of their home playoff games. In the 1975–76 NBA season the Rockets finally had a permanent home in Houston as they moved into The Summit, which they would call home for the next 29 years. During the period, the franchise was owned by Kenneth Schnitzer, developer of the Greenway Plaza which included The Summit. After missing the 1976 playoffs, Tom Nissalke was hired as a coach, and
Houston Rockets
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1995 NBA Playoffs The 1995 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association's 1994–95 season. The tournament concluded with the Western Conference champion Houston Rockets defeating the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic 4 games to 0 in the NBA Finals. Hakeem Olajuwon was named NBA Finals MVP for the second straight time. As of 2018, the 1995 Rockets are the lowest-seeded team to ever win the NBA Championship. Houston became the eighth team to win back-to-back titles (after the Minneapolis Lakers of 1949 and 1950, and again 1952–54, and the Celtics dynasty of 1959–66 and again in
1995 NBA Playoffs
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represented Houston's only professional championships. The 1994 NBA Championship represented the city of Houston's first professional championship since those two teams, and the first in a league that did not later merge. 1994 NBA Finals The 1994 NBA Finals was the championship round of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s 1993–94 season, and the culmination of the season's playoffs. The Western Conference champion Houston Rockets played the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks for the championship, with the Rockets holding home-court advantage in the best-of-seven series. The Rockets defeated the Knicks 4 games to 3 to win the team's first NBA
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blowout win. In the playoffs, the Mavericks defeated the Rockets in the 1988, and 2005 playoffs, the latter of which was plagued with allegations of game fixing. and the Rockets swept several season series with the Mavericks during the 1990s during the Rockets' championship years. On April 11, 1995 the Mavericks were able to get one of their most superb victories against the Houston reigning champion for 156–147 scoring 23 points in the first overtime. Two years later, the Rockets and Mavericks have clashed in their first ever regular season's game played in Mexico City and won by the Rockets
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meeting between these two teams, with the Lakers winning the first meeting. (2) Houston Rockets vs. (3) Denver Nuggets: "Rockets win series 4–2" This was the first playoff meeting between the Nuggets and the Rockets. (1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 4–1" This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Rockets winning the first meeting. Champion: Boston Celtics (1) Boston Celtics vs. (8) Chicago Bulls: "Celtics win series 3–0" This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Celtics winning the first meeting. (2) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (7)
1986 NBA Playoffs
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six meetings including a 116–68 blowout win. In the playoffs, the Mavericks defeated the Rockets in 1988 and 2005 playoffs, the latter of which was plagued with allegations of game fixing. The Rockets swept several season series with the Mavericks during the 1990s during the Rockets' championship years. On April 11, 1995 the Mavericks were able to get one of their most superb victories against the Houston reigning champion for 156–147 scoring 23 points in the first overtime. Two years later, the Rockets and Mavericks have clashed in their first ever regular season's game played in Mexico City won by
Mavericks–Rockets rivalry
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2001 Playoffs, he would eventually be traded to the Houston Rockets for Shandon Anderson. In Houston Rice joined a young team featuring Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley and was initially excited about returning to a starting role after be relegated to more of a third-option with both the Lakers and Knicks. Things started slow in Houston as Rice was still on the mend, rehabbing from his foot injury which limited him to just 20 games in the 2001–02 season. The following year, he would manage to play in 62 games including 26 starts to average 9 points a game for
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the first time in franchise history. The Jazz went on to the Conference Finals, but succumbed to the champion Spurs in five games. In 2008, the two teams faced each other again in the first round as the Jazz were the 4-seed and the Rockets were the 5-seed. The Rockets have homecourt advantage against the Jazz but they were playing without Yao Ming who suffered a stress fracture injury just months before the Playoffs. The Jazz took the first two games in Houston, and looked poised to sweep the Rockets at home, but the Rockets responded in Game 3, where
Jazz–Rockets rivalry
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Olajuwon's former college teammate Clyde Drexler. With only 47 wins, the Rockets entered the playoffs as the sixth seed in the Western Conference. Still, a strong playoff run that earned Houston the nickname "Clutch City" had the Rockets defeating the West's top three seeds – the Jazz, Suns and Spurs – to reach back-to-back finals, this time against the Orlando Magic, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway. When Houston swept the series in four straight games, they became the first team in NBA history to win the championship as a sixth seed, and the first to beat four
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over the Rockets. A buyer was eventually found in 1982 as businessman Charlie Thomas and Sidney Shlenker purchased the franchise for $11 million. The Maloof period of ownership marked the first dominant period of the Rockets, highlighted by the team's first NBA Finals appearance in 1981. Prior to the 1980–81 season, the arrival of the Dallas Mavericks led to an NBA realignment that sent the Rockets back to the Western Conference. Houston qualified for the playoffs only in the final game of the season with a 40–42 record. The postseason had the Rockets beat the Lakers, in-state rivals San Antonio
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a winning record and contending for a playoff spot. The team entered April with chances of qualifying for the postseason, but for the second straight season the Rockets failed to make the playoffs after losing to the New Orleans Hornets in Louisiana with three games remaining. The team still finished the year with a 43-39 winning record. Head coach Rick Adelman left the Rockets right after the season. On June 1, 2011, the Rockets named Kevin McHale their next head coach. With the 14th pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets selected Marcus Morris from the University of
History of the Houston Rockets
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drafted by the Houston Rockets. In his rookie season with the Houston Rockets White expressed concerns about the lack of mental health policy within the NBA. He publicly advocated for a comprehensive policy for all players. This stance led to White missing all of the 2012–13 NBA season for the Rockets despite being under contract. He did play for the developmental league affiliate for the Vipers. Kathy Behrens, NBA president of social responsibility and player programs, recently commented on White saying the league has "great respect for Royce speaking about his struggles." She says the NBA is not new to
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Antonio Spurs have first-round byes. (3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 2-1" This was the first playoff meeting between the Rockets and the Lakers. (4) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (5) Kansas City Kings: "Kings win series 2-1" This was the first playoff meeting between the Trail Blazers and the Kings. Conference Semifinals (1) Phoenix Suns vs. (5) Kansas City Kings: "Kings win series 4-3" This was the third playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Suns winning the first two meetings. (2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Houston Rockets: "Rockets win series 4-3" This
1981 NBA Playoffs
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first meeting. (2) New York Knicks vs. (3) Chicago Bulls: "Knicks win series 4–3" This was the sixth playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Bulls winning the first five meetings. (2) New York Knicks vs. (5) Indiana Pacers: "Knicks win series 4–3" This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Knicks winning the first meeting. (2) Houston Rockets vs. (2) New York Knicks: "Rockets win series 4–3" This was the second playoff meeting between these two teams, with the Rockets winning the first meeting. 1994 NBA Playoffs The 1994 NBA Playoffs was the postseason
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eighth seed in the Western Conference. Houston once again faced the Jazz, this time in the first round, and they lost the series 3–2. Drexler retired after the season, and the Rockets made another bold trade to bring in Scottie Pippen to take his place. In the strike-shortened 1998–99 season, the Rocket went 31–19, but lost to the Lakers in the first round 3–1 of the playoffs. After the 1999 draft, the Rockets traded for the third overall pick Steve Francis from the Vancouver Grizzlies, in exchange for four players and a first round draft pick. However, after Houston traded
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last two games on their home court, and claim their first championship in franchise history. Olajuwon was awarded the Finals MVP, after averaging 27 points, nine rebounds and four blocked shots a game. The Rockets initially struggled in the first half of the 1994–95 season, and ended up winning only 47 games, which was 11 games lower than their previous year's total. In a midseason trade with Portland, the Rockets obtained guard Clyde Drexler, a former teammate of Olajuwon at the University of Houston, in exchange for Otis Thorpe. Houston entered the playoffs as the sixth seed in the Western
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second time in 15 years. In the 2000–01 season, the Rockets worked their way to a 45–37 record. However, in a competitive Western Conference where seven teams won 50 games, this left the Rockets two games out of the playoffs. In the following off-season, a 38-year-old Olajuwon requested a trade, and, despite stating their desire to keep him, the Rockets reached a sign-and-trade agreement, sending him to the Toronto Raptors. The ensuing 2001–02 season—the first without Hakeem in two decades—was unremarkable, and the Rockets finished with only 28 wins. After Houston was awarded the first overall pick in the 2002
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the playoffs for the first time since 1999 as the number 7 seed in the Western Conference. Second-year star Yao Ming and Steve Francis were both selected for the 2004 NBA All-Star Game. However, the Rockets were eliminated from the first round of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers, who added Karl Malone and Gary Payton to join Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, in five games. This also marked Francis' only playoff appearance in his career. Following the season, he was traded along with Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato to the Orlando Magic, and Mark Jackson retired. For the
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9 against the Denver Nuggets, marking his 42nd triple double of the season. Westbrook, in that game, also hit the game winning buzzer beater from 36 feet, ending the Nuggets' playoffs hopes and securing the Thunder's 3rd seed matchup with the Houston Rockets in the NBA playoffs. Oklahoma City lost the playoff series in the first round to the Houston Rockets 4–1. Despite the team's loss, Westbrook averaged a +14 while on the court and a triple double during the series and was named league MVP after the season. In the 2017 NBA draft, the Thunder selected guard Terrance Ferguson
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from retirement in March 1995, following a brief baseball career and made the 1995 NBA Playoffs, losing to the Orlando Magic in six games. The Phoenix Suns finished with 56 wins in the 1993–94 season, but were eliminated from the playoffs by the Houston Rockets after leading 2–0 in the Western Conference semifinals. The following year, Phoenix took a commanding 3–1 lead against a sixth-Seeded Houston team only to lose again, losing Games 5 and 7 on their home court, the last of which was decided on a 3-pointer by Mario Elie and an ensuing free throw session. The Rockets
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Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. In the 1980–81 season, after the newly established Dallas Mavericks became the third NBA team in Texas, the NBA restructured the conferences and sent the Rockets, who had previously played in the Eastern Conference, to the Midwest Division of the Western Conference. In Harris's second season, Houston tied with Kansas City for second place in the Midwest Division behind San Antonio with a 40–42 record, and qualified for the playoffs with just one game left. During the season, Murphy set two NBA records, by sinking 78 consecutive free throws to break Rick Barry's
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six games in the NBA Finals. In the 1980–81 season, after the newly established Dallas Mavericks became the third NBA team in Texas, the NBA restructured the conferences and sent the Rockets, who had previously played in the Eastern Conference, to the Midwest Division of the Western Conference. In Harris's second season, Houston tied with Kansas City for second place in the Midwest Division behind San Antonio with a 40-42 record, and qualified for the playoffs with just one game left. During the season, Murphy set two NBA records, by sinking 78 consecutive free throws to break Rick Barry's mark
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was named head coach of the Houston Rockets, replacing Rudy Tomjanovich. In his first season as the team's head coach, the Rockets finished with a 45–37 record, and qualified for the playoffs for the first time in five years, but they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Los Angeles Lakers. In his second season with the Rockets, Van Gundy guided the team, led by the Yao Ming/ Tracy McGrady duo, to a 51–31 record, which was their first season with more than 50 wins in eight years. The Rockets once again lost in the first
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later on win eight straight games in February, as McGrady and Yao Ming were both selected to play in the 2005 NBA All-Star Game at Denver. At midseason, the team traded Maurice Taylor to the New York Knicks, and acquired Mike James from the Milwaukee Bucks. The Rockets won their final seven games finishing third in the Southwest Division with a 51–31 record, which was their first 50-win season since 1997. However, in the first round of the playoffs, they lost to their in-state rival, the Dallas Mavericks in seven games after taking a 2–0 series lead. Following the season,
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in the 1983 NBA Finals, but Philadelphia won this series four games to none. In the 1978 (Seattle SuperSonics), 1979 (Seattle), and 1981 (Houston Rockets) playoffs, the Lakers were eliminated by the eventual Western Conference champion. He led the team in scoring in the 1982 playoffs. In game one of the 1983 finals he had a violent collision with Andrew Toney of the 76ers early in the first quarter. As he came off the floor, coach Pat Riley asked Nixon "You need a blow?", to which Nixon replied: "No, a casket". He would continue to play in game one and
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morning show hosted by Matt Jackson and Adam Wexler, who both moved over from KILT. "Matt & Adam" became "The Big Show" in fall 2011, when Lance Zierlein joined Jackson and Wexler. Previous hosts on KBME include Brad Davies, Carl Dukes, Ted Deluca, John Lopez, David Dalati, Tom Franklin. Play-by-play coverage on KBME includes Houston Rockets basketball, Houston Astros baseball, Houston Cougars football and basketball, Texas A&M Aggies football, basketball. KBME also features live national sports broadcasts from Dial Global and Sports USA Radio Network. Beginning with the 2012-2013 season, KBME became flagship station to the NBA's Houston Rockets, with
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NBA draft, they selected Yao Ming, a Chinese center. The Rockets missed the 2003 playoffs by one game, improving their record by 15 victories. The 2003–04 season marked the Rockets' arrival to a new arena, the Toyota Center, a redesign of their uniforms and logo, and their first season without Rudy Tomjanovich, who resigned as head coach after being diagnosed with bladder cancer. Led by former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy, the Rockets finished the regular season with a record of 45–37, earning their first playoff berth since 1999, again losing to the Lakers in the first round. In the
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Nuggets. 1985–86 Denver Nuggets season The 1985–86 NBA season was the Nuggets' 10th season in the NBA and 19th season as a franchise. In the playoffs, the Nuggets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in four games in the First Round before losing to the eventual Western Conference Champion Houston Rockets in six games in the Semifinals. (3) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Portland Trail Blazers: "Nuggets win series 3–1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1977 Western Conference Semifinals (Portland won 4–2) (2) Houston Rockets vs. (3) Denver Nuggets: "Rockets win series 4–2" Last Playoff Meeting: This is the first meeting between the Rockets
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1985–86 Denver Nuggets season The 1985–86 NBA season was the Nuggets' 10th season in the NBA and 19th season as a franchise. In the playoffs, the Nuggets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in four games in the First Round before losing to the eventual Western Conference Champion Houston Rockets in six games in the Semifinals. (3) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Portland Trail Blazers: "Nuggets win series 3–1" Last Playoff Meeting: 1977 Western Conference Semifinals (Portland won 4–2) (2) Houston Rockets vs. (3) Denver Nuggets: "Rockets win series 4–2" Last Playoff Meeting: This is the first meeting between the Rockets and
1985–86 Denver Nuggets season