What’s in a reputation? The origins of some NBA groups’ names have a historical past. For example, did the Houston Rockets get their identify as a result of Houston, Texas being NASA’s headquarters? The truth is, the Rockets originated in San Diego. The franchise selected “Rockets” in a “name-the-team” contest. It primarily based this selection on the motto of San Diego, “A Metropolis in Motion 해외농구중계.”
Certainly, the Rockets have been flying in direction of the NBA finals for the reason that Rockets joined the NBA throughout the 1971-1972. Previous to the season’s begin, the crew relocated from San Diego, California; to Houston, Texas. The identify “Rockets” was best, as Houston was NASA’s headquarters. Sadly, the Rockets ended the season with a 34-48 report.
The Rockets’ climb to the highest of the NBA totem pole would take over 20 years. A couple of decade later, they took their first step within the 1980-1981 season. Although they earned a dropping report of 40-42, the Rockets crept into the playoffs. They first shocked the world champion Los Angeles Lakers. Then they defeated the San Antonio Spurs (4-3) and the Kansas Metropolis Kings (4-1), however misplaced within the NBA Finals to the mighty Boston Celtics (4-2).
Through the 1985-1986 season, the Rockets returned to prominence, thanks primarily to the play of Ralph Sampson and Hakeem Olajuwon. They completed the common season at 43-31. The Rockets then blasted their solution to the NBA finals, pretty simply. They beat the Sacramento Kings (3-0), Denver Nuggets (4-2), and Los Angeles Lakers (4-2). Nevertheless, the Celtics merely overpowered the Rockets within the NBA Finals (4-2).
Within the 1993-1994 season, the Rockets soared to success. After changing into victors within the first 15 video games of the season, they ultimately earned a 58-24 report. Hakeen Olajuawon and a stable supporting solid marched into the playoffs. They defeated the Portland Trailblazers (3-2), Phoenix Suns (4-3), and Utah Jazz (4-1). Within the NBA Finals, the Rockets confronted the New York Knicks. Olajuwon blocked John Starks’ closing shot on the buzzer, securing a Rockets victory. They’d win Sport 7 and their first NBA Championship.
Within the following season, the Rockets would defend their NBA crown. They accomplished the common season with a slightly good 47-35 report. Their highway by means of the playoffs included sequence victories over the Utah Jazz (3-2,), the Phoenix Suns (4-3), and San Antonio Spurs (4-2). Within the first two sequence, the Rockets needed to battle again from 2-1 and 3-1 deficits, respectively. The Rockets accomplished an incredible season by sweeping the Orlando Magic within the NBA Finals.
The Houston Rockets have retired the jersey numbers of 5 gamers, by means of their franchise’s historical past:
Clyde Drexler – #22 (Ahead) 1994-1998
Moses Malone – #24 (Middle) 1976-1982
Calvin Murphy – #32 (Guard) 1970-1983
Hakeem Olajuwon #34 (Middle) 1984-2001
Rudy Tomjanovich #45 (Ahead) 1970-1981
All through the Houston Rockets’ historical past, the sky has been the restrict. Although they’ve skilled difficult video games, sequence, and seasons, they’ve consistently moved onwards and upwards. Use Houston Rockets merchandise to cheer on the Rockets as they blast in direction of one other NBA championship!