Are The Houston Rockets For Real?

I’m still in shock, I’m still in awe of what just transpired yesterday afternoon.

What is that you may ask?

The Houston Rockets have advanced to the Western Conference Finals, a feat that hasn’t been completed in nearly two decades by this franchise.

Can you believe the magnitude of such a feat?

That means that there’s something special about this team but I can’t quite put my finger on it.

They have all the tools that are needed to elevate to the next level and it’s all about if this team uses them wisely.

I have no doubt that they will.

The hole the Rockets climbed themselves out of this past series against the Los Angeles Clippers was another one of those groundbreaking marks.

The were only the ninth team in NBA history to climb out of a 3-1 deficit to go on and win the series.

Think about the pressure, think about the circumstances surrounding such a characteristic.

Each game that you play, you’re facing elimination and there’s no tomorrow, no second chance.

You have to get it right now or the end is imminent.

It’s the ultimate scenario of backs against the wall — it’s either win or go home.

It’s great to see this team chose go with the first of the two mentioned.

Because quite honestly, this team could’ve gone home, hung up their jerseys three games ago and could be relaxing for an extended vacation.

But that’s not what these guys are playing for.

Sometimes there comes a point where the money isn’t enough, you need additional validation to prove belonging in one of the most heralded professional sports leagues in the world.

What gives that said validation?

That would be excelling in the playoffs and winning the ultimate prize of the gleaming, regal Larry O’Brien trophy.

It could be the Rockets as the recipients of that trophy!

For the first time in awhile, I believe this team IS for real and has what it takes to elevating all the way to the top for the coronation of sorts.

It all started with that incredible comeback Thursday night in Game 6 and that event somehow put a look in their eyes and instilled a level of confidence that could not be shook.

Live Feed

Houston Rockets: 4 Encouraging signs that prove hot start is sustainable /

Sir Charles In Charge

Tyrese Maxey has arrived for the Philadelphia 76ersThe Sixer Sense

Season Predictions: Cavaliers advance, Nuggets knocked offKing James Gospel

The goal for the Utah Jazz is the 2024 Playoffs, not the 2024 Draft LotteryThe J-Notes

5 greatest players to never win an NBA championshipFanSided

Chicago Bulls: 3 Reasons why Bulls will be the surprise team of the Eastern ConferenceSir Charles In Charge

Game 7 was even more admirable — the Rockets maintained their poise despite losing the lead they had and continue to stick to their guns — the three-point shot — until they started to fall again after getting severely cold.

Fast-forward to the start of this series tomorrow night — the Rockets aren’t heavily-favored to win but we weren’t so much with the Clippers either.

What was the difference?

Our team has champions on their roster — Trevor Ariza, Corey Brewer and Jason Terry are proven vets with championship title notches on their respective belts and their leadership has been inspiring especially through the grueling stretch when the Rockets were trying to win this past series.

Ariza got his ring with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009, Brew and Jet got theirs during the Dallas Mavericks title run in 2011.

Lest we not forget that Kevin McHale is a three-time champion with his storied career with the Boston Celtics as their featured forward.

You could only imagine the things these battle-tested vets said to the younger guys in the huddles when they most needed it during that grueling stretch that I was talking about.

That’s light years ahead in comparison to the Warriors.

But you know what?

More from House of Houston

It helped them get over the hump and the Rockets are now amongst the four teams left standing.

Nobody is giving the Rockets a chance against the Golden State Warriors, their next opponent and that’s fine.

This team has demonstrated its resilience when facing adversity and I think we’re going to see the same as well in this series.

There will be blunders but I’m optimistic that this team will make us proud despite the end result of this series.

I love the challenge the Rockets have been presented with and I’ll be gloating when all of the so-called “experts” have egg in their face because they didn’t give them a chance.

Remember, if we get through this series — the path to the championship becomes a lot more favorable as we did quite solid against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks this past season.