Doing alil research and I never knew the Rockets made the finals with a 40-42 record. Thats gotta be one of the worst teams to ever make the finals, but how did it happen? Did they play any injured teams, and what was your mindstate during that run as a fan?
I believe they finished in the 6th seed - last spot to make the playoffs back then. And basically, Moses Malone got busy and just dominated the games......Calvin got hot in the San Antonio series and the Rockets gelled as a team at the right time. Ultimately the Celts were too tough in the finals, but it was fun to watch. DD
IMO, they key factor to that run was the opening series was a best of three series. The Rockets won the first game (in LA) and were feeling very good about themselves. Then the Lakers went to Houston and won the 2nd game. I, and I think nearly everyone else, just knew the Lakers were wide awake and would close it out in game 3. I don't remember the game but somehow the Rockets won and advanced. I don't remember the 2nd round Spurs series at all. In the conference finals, you won't believe this but it was the 40-42 Rockets vs. the 40-42 Kansas City Kings. They smoked the Kings before losing to the Celtics. The Celts just had too much of a talent edge. Moses was great but he wasn't enough.
