Right now, the Rockets are known more for reported in-house dysfunction and a coaching search that lingers.
Twenty-one years ago, they were known as the team that wouldn't go away, with Mario Elie providing an unforgettable moment in franchise history.
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Friday marks the 21st anniversary of Elie's memorable "Kiss of Death" shot to beat the Phoenix Suns in Game 7 0f the teams' 1995 Western Conference semifinal series. It was the go-ahead basket in a 115-114 victory that capped a Rockets comeback from a 3-1 series deficit to send Charles Barkley and the Suns home as Game 7 losers for the second straight year.