The Houston Rockets finished last season with the second-best record in the Western Conference. Losing to the Golden State Warriors in the first round was a gut punch. The Rockets fell well short of their goal.
This summer, Houston added Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Clint Capela in an effort to get over the hump and make their first NBA Finals since the 1990s. In order to get there, they need to get through the Warriors.
The Rockets have stoked the flame with the Warriors, leaning into the rivalry. As Golden State ages and Houston improves on both ends of the floor, they are expected to have some fierce battles this season.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MAY 04: Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets during the third quarter in Game Seven of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 04, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Houston Rockets Break Down Rivalry
For most of the Rockets’ roster, the first-round exit at the hands of Golden State was their first playoff appearance. The Warriors were riding a late-season surge after adding Jimmy Butler and simply boasted more postseason experience.
However, the Rockets have long fallen short to Golden State, dating back to when James Harden played in Texas.
“It’s always been like that, when James was here too,” said Alperen Sengun in an interview with Sports Illustrated. “People love to see that, and you love to play it. We always get more motivated when playing against them.”
Tari Eason, who re-ignited the rivalry in 2024, knows that it’s hard to talk trash when you consistently lose to the rivals, which the Rockets have been doing well before he was drafted.
“It’s something that we’ve kind of inherited, even though we’ve come on the short end of the stick the past couple of years, but we’re hoping to change that,” he explained.
According to FanDuel, the Rockets have better (+1800) odds to win the title than the Warriors (+3000)
Playoff Rivalry is Not New Between Rockets and Warriors
The Rockets and Warriors have met in the postseason five times, all since 2015.
Twice, in 2015 and 2018, there was a trip to the Finals on the line. In all five series, the Warriors beat the Rockets, with the series going the distance to seven games only twice.
“It’s not often teams just keep clashing in the playoffs,” added Jabari Smith Jr. “I feel like right now it’s two teams that are trying to win a championship, so I mean, I’ll call it a rivalry.”
Both teams are entering the season with very real title hopes. The Warriors have a bit more desperation as their core ages past their primes. The Rockets, meanwhile, are getting tired of biding their time. They want to announce to the NBA that they are a real threat.
Until they get past Golden State, it’s hard for Houston to rebrand itself as a winner.
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