Houston Rockets 2018: A Season Of Near Misses

The 2017-2018 NBA season was a rollercoaster for Houston Rockets fans. Led by the dynamic duo of James Harden and Chris Paul, the Rockets blazed through the regular season, setting franchise records and establishing themselves as the team to beat in the Western Conference. But as we all know, the NBA is a story of what happens in the playoffs, and the Rockets' journey ended in heartbreak. Let's dive into the details of this unforgettable season.

Regular Season Dominance

Okay, guys, let's talk about the regular season first. The Rockets were unstoppable. With a record of 65-17, they finished with the best record in the league, securing home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. James Harden, in arguably his most impressive season, won the MVP award, averaging 30.4 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. His offensive firepower was simply unmatched, and he consistently delivered clutch performances when the team needed him most. Chris Paul, in his first season with the Rockets, proved to be the perfect complement to Harden. His playmaking, scoring, and defensive tenacity elevated the Rockets to a whole new level. The chemistry between Harden and Paul was undeniable, and they quickly became one of the most feared backcourts in the NBA. But it wasn't just about Harden and Paul, though; the Rockets had a deep and talented roster. Players like Clint Capela, Eric Gordon, and P.J. Tucker played crucial roles in the team's success. Capela was a dominant force in the paint, providing rim protection and rebounding. Gordon was a reliable scorer off the bench, and Tucker was the team's defensive anchor, guarding the opposition's best players. Mike D'Antoni's offensive system, which emphasized three-pointers and ball movement, was perfectly suited to the Rockets' personnel. They set a new NBA record for three-pointers made in a season, and their offensive efficiency was off the charts. The Rockets were not just winning games, they were dominating them, and fans were already dreaming of an NBA championship.

Playoff Run: High Hopes and Close Calls

Alright, so the regular season was awesome, but the playoffs are where legends are made. The Rockets entered the playoffs as the favorites to win the Western Conference, and their journey to the Western Conference Finals was filled with both excitement and nail-biting moments. In the first round, they faced the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Karl-Anthony Towns and Jimmy Butler. The Rockets won the series in five games, but the Timberwolves put up a fight, especially in the games played in Minnesota. Harden and Paul led the way, but the Rockets also got valuable contributions from their role players. The second round was a much tougher test, as they faced the Utah Jazz, led by rookie sensation Donovan Mitchell. The Jazz had upset the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, and they were playing with a lot of confidence. The Rockets won the series in five games, but the Jazz made them work for every victory. Mitchell was a constant threat, and the Jazz's defense was stifling at times. But the Rockets' experience and firepower ultimately proved too much for the Jazz to handle.

Western Conference Finals: The Warriors Showdown

Here's where things get really interesting, guys. The Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors was an epic clash of two titans. The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, were the defending champions and the team that everyone was trying to beat. This series was billed as an offensive showcase, and it did not disappoint. Both teams traded blows, with each game featuring incredible scoring performances and dramatic finishes. The Rockets took a 3-2 lead in the series, putting them one game away from the NBA Finals. In Game 5, Chris Paul suffered a hamstring injury, which would sideline him for the remainder of the series. This was a huge blow to the Rockets, as Paul had been instrumental to their success. Despite Paul's absence, the Rockets had a chance to close out the series in Game 6 in Oakland. They led by as many as 17 points in the second half, but the Warriors mounted a furious comeback, led by Curry and Thompson. The Warriors won Game 6, forcing a Game 7 in Houston. In Game 7, the Rockets struggled to find their shooting touch. They missed 27 consecutive three-pointers at one point, and their offense stagnated. The Warriors took advantage of the Rockets' struggles, and they pulled away in the second half. The Warriors won Game 7, ending the Rockets' season in heartbreaking fashion. This loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Rockets fans, as they felt that their team was just one game away from dethroning the Warriors and winning the NBA championship.

What Went Wrong?

So, what happened? Why couldn't the Rockets close out the series against the Warriors? Well, there were a number of factors that contributed to their defeat. First and foremost, Chris Paul's injury was a major turning point. Without Paul's playmaking and scoring, the Rockets' offense became more predictable, and Harden was forced to carry too much of the load. Second, the Rockets' three-point shooting went cold at the worst possible time. They relied heavily on the three-pointer, and when their shots weren't falling, they struggled to score. Third, the Warriors' experience and championship pedigree proved to be the difference. They had been in that situation before, and they knew how to handle the pressure. Fourth, some might argue that Mike D'Antoni's rotations became too short in the playoffs, leading to fatigue for key players. Ultimately, the Rockets' loss to the Warriors was a combination of unfortunate circumstances, missed opportunities, and the Warriors' greatness. It was a tough ending to what had been a magical season.

Key Players and Stats

Let's break down some of the key players and stats from that season. James Harden, as mentioned earlier, won the MVP award, averaging 30.4 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. He was the engine of the Rockets' offense, and he consistently delivered clutch performances. Chris Paul averaged 18.6 points, 7.9 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. His playmaking and scoring ability elevated the Rockets to a new level. Clint Capela averaged 13.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. He was a dominant force in the paint, providing rim protection and rebounding. Eric Gordon averaged 18.0 points per game off the bench. He was a reliable scorer and a valuable contributor to the team's offense. P.J. Tucker averaged 8.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. He was the team's defensive anchor, guarding the opposition's best players. As a team, the Rockets led the league in three-pointers made, averaging 15.3 per game. They also had the second-best offensive rating in the league, scoring 114.2 points per 100 possessions. Their defense was also solid, allowing 103.9 points per 100 possessions, which ranked seventh in the league. The Rockets were a well-rounded team that excelled on both ends of the court.

Legacy of the 2018 Rockets

So, what's the legacy of the 2018 Houston Rockets? Despite the disappointing ending, the 2018 Rockets will be remembered as one of the greatest teams in NBA history to not win a championship. They were a dominant force in the regular season, and they pushed the Golden State Warriors to the brink of elimination in the Western Conference Finals. The team's innovative offensive system, led by Harden and Paul, revolutionized the way basketball was played. The Rockets' emphasis on three-pointers and ball movement influenced countless teams and players. The 2018 Rockets also set a new standard for team chemistry and camaraderie. The players genuinely enjoyed playing together, and their bond was evident on and off the court. While they ultimately fell short of their championship goals, the 2018 Rockets left an indelible mark on the NBA. They proved that it was possible to challenge the Warriors' dynasty, and they inspired a generation of players and fans.

Where Are They Now?

It's been a few years since that 2018 season, so what are some of those key players up to now? James Harden, after several more seasons in Houston, was traded to the Brooklyn Nets and then later to the Philadelphia 76ers, seeking that elusive championship ring. Chris Paul has also moved on, playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, and now the Golden State Warriors, continuing to be a valuable player and leader. Clint Capela was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he continues to be a dominant rebounder and rim protector. Eric Gordon has bounced around a bit, playing for the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and now back with the Houston Rockets. P.J. Tucker has also played for several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Clippers, always bringing his tough defense and veteran presence. The 2018 Houston Rockets may not have won a championship, but they remain a memorable team in NBA history, filled with talented players who have continued to make an impact on the league.