It’s been a stark tale of two franchises since the Rockets said goodbye to James Harden in a deal with the Nets just over two months ago.
Brooklyn enters Monday night absolutely cruising in the Eastern Conference, winning 15 of its last 17 despite an extended absence from Kevin Durant. Harden has fit in seamlessly alongside Kyrie Irving, racking up triple-doubles with ease as the Nets look like Finals favorites. As for Houston, such an opportunity feels a galaxy away.
The Rockets haven’t just fallen out of title contention without Harden running the show.