Houston Rockets: Some of the great seasons in franchise history

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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 25: The Larry O’Brien championship trophy sits with the Cleveland Cavaliers rings before the game against the New York Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena on October 25, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The “Hallelujah” Seasons

Of all the Houston Rockets seasons, there have been two “hallelujah” seasons where the team reached the promised land and lifted the Larry O’Brien trophy. Of course those seasons were the back-to-back years of 1993-94 and 1994-95.

In 1993-94 the Rockets earned the two seed in the west with a 58-24 record (58 wins is still the team record for best season, at least a few more days). Houston took out Portland in the first round and Phoenix in the semifinals. The Rockets then eliminated Utah in the conference finals before beating the New York Knicks in seven games.

A year later the Rockets made the playoffs as a six seed. Houston took out Utah in the first round and then came from 3-1 down against Phoenix to win 4-3. Of course, this game is famous for Mario Elie‘s Kiss of Death shot. The Rockets returned to the NBA finals after beating San Antonio in the conference finals. Four games later the Rockets had swept the Orlando Jazz and there was another parade in downtown Houston.

Next: Why the new rotation should stick

This year’s Rockets are on a good path

Where will the 2017-18 Rockets end up? Will they be remembered as a “just short season?” Will they become the third Rockets team to have a “hallelujah” season? At the rate this team is going, it appears that we are looking at another “hallelujah” season. However, no matter what happens the rest of the way the season will be remembered for years to come. Hopefully there is another parade in downtown Houston.

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