It’s incredible to think that two of the best teams in the Western Conference over the last two decades haven’t played each other in the playoffs in that same timespan.
Admittedly, Houston’s success during that period was more rooted in regular season success. The team won one playoff series between the Hakeem Olajuwon and James Harden eras, a period that included Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, Tracy McGrady, and Yao Ming.
The Rockets had talent for sure. Most years, it was great talent. And they had great coaching as well.