For Daryl Morey's Rockets, every little edge was never quite enough
Houston only got really close to a title once in a decade plus, despite building an enduring legacy in play style and as James Harden's host.
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FIRST ENCOUNTER
Victor Wembanyama arrived plenty long ago. The defending champs met him in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, and were introduced to the concept of their own demise.
Goodbye, 60-win Cinderella
There's no team more dangerous than Cleveland in Game 7 of a series they should have won in six.
The Spurs will make you give up
Anthony Edwards calls it early. Meanwhile, James Harden's flop sweat creating disaster is a good symbol of Cleveland's Game 6 no-show.
The enigma of Jim
James Harden with one of the strangest winning performances in memory. Meanwhile, Jalen Duren might have played himself out of the starting lineup and Tony Brothers is going to be persona non grata in Detroit.