There are many rivalries in the NBA, but only a select few have been as interesting and compelling as Warriors vs Rockets. The two teams have met 17 times in the playoffs, with the Rockets holding an 8-8 advantage in those games.
The rivalry dates back to the early days of the NBA, when the Rockets were founded as the San Diego Rockets in 1967. The Warriors quickly took notice of their new in-state rivals and the two teams met in the playoffs for the first time in 1969. The Warriors won that series 4-1, but the Rockets would get their revenge just two years later when they defeated Golden State in the 1971 Western Conference Finals.
The two teams would meet again in the playoffs in 1974 and 1975, with each team winning one series. It wasn’t until 1977 that the real heated rivalry began, when the Warriors vs Rockets met in the Conference Finals for a third time. This time, it was Golden State who came out on top, winning the series 4-2 en route to their second NBA Championship.
The following year, 1978, would see the start of one of the most intense stretches of games between any two teams in NBA history. The Warriors vs Rockets faced off against each other six times during the regular season, with each team winning three games. Then, in one of the most dramatic playoff series ever played, Golden State won a close seven-game series to once again advance to the NBA Finals.
What is the Warriors vs Rockets rivalry?
A rivalry is a close, competitive relationship between two teams or individuals. In the NBA, rivalries are often born out of a history of bad blood between players or coaches, or a heated competition for supremacy in the standings. The Warriors vs Rockets rivalry is one of the most intense in NBA history, with the two teams regularly battling for Western Conference supremacy. This season has been no different, with the Warriors holding a slim lead over the Rockets for the top spot in the conference.
The Warriors vs Rockets have met in the playoffs four times since 2015, with each team winning twice. The most recent matchup came in 2018, when the Warriors won in seven games. That series was mark by several heated exchanges between players and coaches, and it seems likely that this year’s playoff matchup will be just as intense.
So far this season, the Warriors have won all three meetings between the two teams. However, the Rockets have been without star point guard Chris Paul for much of those games, so it remains to be seen how they will fare when both teams are at full strength.
One thing is certain: when these two teams meet on the court, there is always plenty at stake. Whether it’s fighting for conference supremacy or simply trying to get one up on your biggest rivals, there is no love lost between these two sides. So strap yourselves in and enjoy what promises to be another thrilling chapter in this great rivalry.
The origins of their rivalry
The origins of the Warriors vs Rockets rivalry can be trace back to the 2014 NBA Playoffs. The Warriors, who were the 8th seed in the Western Conference, upset the Rockets in the first round. The Rockets were one of the favourites to win the NBA Championship that year, but the Warriors stunned them and went on to make it all the way to the Finals.
Since then, these two teams have met in the playoffs four times. The Warriors have won three of those series, including last year’s Western Conference Finals. But each time, it has been a hard-fought battle. And with both teams once again being among the best in the league this season, there is a good chance we could see them face off again in the postseason.
So why is this rivalry so special? Well, for one thing, these are two of the most talented teams in the NBA. They both have superstar players ( Steph Curry and James Harden), and they are both coached by great minds (Steve Kerr and Mike D’Antoni). But more than anything, it is because these two teams just don’t like each other.
There is a genuine dislike between these players and coaches. It started with that 2014 playoff series, and it has only grown since then. There have been heated exchanges on the court, technical fouls, and even some punches thrown (albeit not many). This is a true rivalry, and one that should be must-see TV whenever these two teams.
The Golden State Warriors Dynasty and their victories over the Houston Rockets
The Golden State Warriors dynasty of the 2010s is one of the most successful runs in NBA history. The team won three championships in four years, and their victories over the Houston Rockets were a big part of that success.
The Warriors vs Rockets first met in the playoffs in 2015, with the Warriors winning in five games. The two teams met again in the 2016 playoffs, and this time the Rockets took the series to seven games before losing.
In 2017, the two teams met in the playoffs for a third straight year. The Warriors won again, this time in four games. The 2018 season was a tough one for both teams, but they still managed to meet in the playoffs for a fourth straight year. The Warriors won yet again, this time in six games.
The 2019 season was another tough one for both teams, but they still managed to meet in the playoffs for a fifth straight year. This time, it was the Rockets who finally got revenge and won the series in six games. The 2020 season was cancel due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it’s clear that these two teams are still among the best in the NBA. Their intense rivalry is one of the biggest reasons why basketball is such an exciting sport to watch.
Why is this rivalry such a big deal?
The Warriors vs Rockets have been two of the best teams in the NBA over the last few years. They have met in the playoffs three times since 2015, with the Warriors winning twice. The Rockets have made major changes to their team this offseason in an attempt to dethrone the Warriors, and the two teams are currently on pace to meet in the playoffs again this year.
This rivalry is a big deal because it is a matchup of two of the best teams in the NBA. Both teams are loaded with talent, and both have proven that they can compete for a championship. The Warriors vs Rockets have had some thrilling battles over the last few years, and there is no reason to believe that will change anytime soon.
Conclusion
The Warriors vs Rockets have been two of the best teams in the NBA for the past few years, and their rivalry has been intense. While both teams have had their share of success, it is clear that the Warriors have had the upper hand in recent years. With the addition of Kevin Durant to an already stacked team, it is hard to see how any team in the league can compete with them. The Rockets will no doubt continue to be a force to be reckon with. But it seems like the Warriors are destine to remain on top for years to come. Thanks for reading!