Houston Rockets: Seven reasons why the team should have more titles

1997 – Shutting down John Stockton

After a season that saw Houston’s chances of a three-peat end by the Seattle Supersonics, the Rockets traded for Charles Barkley in the offseason. With Barkley helping out Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon, the Rockets avenged their loss by eliminating Seattle in the semifinals. Unfortunately, we know how it ends. John Stockton hits a three-point shot to send the Utah Jazz to the NBA Finals in Game six. That ended a dynasty for us.

Not in our experiment though. In our experiment, the Rockets beat the Jazz in overtime in game six and win the series in seven. This sets up the long-awaited showdown with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Time to put an answer to the debate once and for all. Will the Rockets beat the Bulls with MJ or will the Bulls crush Houston’s hopes and dreams?

1997 NBA Finals: Chicago Bulls vs. Houston Rockets.

Game 1 in Chicago: Bulls 111-101 (1-0 CHI)

Game 2 in Chicago: Rockets 99-93 (1-1)

Game 3 in Houston: Rockets 117-98 (2-1 HOU)

Game 4: in Houston: Bulls 120-105 (2-2)

Game 5 in Houston: Rockets 120-111 (3-2 HOU)

Game 6 in Chicago: Bulls 101-92 (3-3)

Game 7 in Chicago: Rockets 92-88 (4-3 HOU)

Houston Rockets win series 4-3.

So this series saw Houston defeat the Bulls in seven games. While Jordan and Olajuwon would’ve led their teams valiantly, it would’ve been Barkley who would’ve played the role of MVP for the finals. He would’ve averaged at least 25 PPG and lead Houston much like Kevin Durant led Golden State.

The Bulls would’ve won game one on their home court. But Houston would steal the momentum with a game two win. Then, they continue that by beating Chicago at the Compaq Center, which they do often. However, Houston makes a mistake thinking the series is over and the Bulls answer with a big win.

Desperate, the Rockets win game five only to lose game six setting up a decisive Game seven at Chicago. Why this game was low scoring is beyond me? Perhaps both teams figured out the strengths and weaknesses of each other. Nevertheless, Houston wins in seven and Barkley has something to brag about. Sadly, this would’ve been the last title for Olajuwon and Drexler as they would lose to Utah the following year.

At least we know we could’ve won in 1997. But the next season where Houston shows legitimacy occurs when Yao Ming and T-Mac arrive.