The 2017-18 Houston Rockets did not win the NBA championship. A new article suggests they're the best team to ever fall short of that goal.
Warning: This piece may cause emotional distress. It was painful to write. Recalling the juggernaut that was the 2017-18 Rockets is an emotionally tumultous experience. They came so close, but so far.
The Ringer's Michael Pena says no team has fallen short quite as powerfully.
2017-18 Rockets earn unfortunate distinction
It's hard to argue with Pena.
"They won 65 games and finished first in net rating, first in offensive rating, and—most notably, considering the long-standing reputations held by their head coach and best player—seventh in defensive rating"
- Michael Pena, The Ringer
First in Net Rating.