History of the Houston Rockets

Image:San Diego Sports Arena.jpg

Once National Basketball Association commissioner J. Walter Kennedy visited San Diego in 1966 and saw the support for the Western Hockey League's San Diego Gulls, he invited Robert Breitbard, owner of the Gulls and their arena, the San Diego International Sports Center, to the next NBA owners' meeting. The league wanted to add other franchises in the Western United States, by then only represented through the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Francisco Warriors, and the owners liked Breitbard's input during the meeting. Combining the city economic and population growths with the Gulls' success, San Diego was chosen to receive an expansion team in 1967. Breitbard paid a $1.75 million entry fee to join the NBA as an expansion team for the 1967–68 NBA season, along with the Seattle SuperSonics.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/uniforms_rockets.html|title=Going Retro: Houston Rockets|work=NBA.com|access-date=2008-05-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119064025/http://www.nba.com/history/uniforms_rockets.html|archive-date=2015-11-19|url-status=dead}} The resulting contest to name the franchise chose the name "Rockets", homaging San Diego's theme of "a city in motion" and the local arm of General Dynamics developing the Atlas missile and booster rocket program.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YcoExgitXTYC&pg=PA68|title=Bob Breitbard: San Diego's Sports Keeper|first=Dan|last=Fulop|pages=68–82|publisher=Author House|year=2012|isbn=978-1477243961}} Breitbard brought in Jack McMahon, then coach of the Cincinnati Royals, to serve as the Rockets' coach and general manager.{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/mcmahja01c.html |title=Jack McMahon |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=May 13, 2008}} The team then built its roster with both veteran players at an expansion draft, and college players in the 1967 NBA draft, where San Diego's first ever draft pick was Pat Riley.{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/draft.html |title=Houston Rockets Draft Register |website=basketball-reference.com |access-date=May 13, 2008}}{{cite news |url=http://www.nba.com/encyclopedia/hof_2008.html |title=NBA Hall of Fame 2008 |date=April 7, 2008 |work=NBA.com |access-date=May 13, 2008}} The Rockets' inaugural game was held on October 14, 1967 at the International Sports Center, with 8000 fans seeing the Rockets lose closely to the St. Louis Hawks by 99–98. The Rockets lost 67 games in their inaugural season,{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SDR/1968.html |title=1967–68 San Diego Rockets |publisher=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=May 13, 2008}} which was then an NBA record for losses in a season.{{cite news |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1968/03/25/a-roundup-of-the-sports-information-of-the-week/ |title=A Roundup Of The Sports Information Of The Week |date=March 25, 1968 |work=Sports Illustrated |access-date=May 13, 2008|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030120106/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1080988/index.htm|archive-date=October 30, 2013}} Attendance ranked as eighth among the league's twelve teams, leading to financial losses. The sole bright spot of the inaugural season was forward Don Kojis, whose good numbers earned him a spot at the 1968 NBA All-Star Game.

In 1968, after the Rockets won a coin toss against the Baltimore Bullets to determine who would have the first overall pick in the 1968 NBA draft,{{cite book|last=Kalb|first=Elliott|title=Who's Better, Who's Best in Basketball?|publisher=McGraw–Hill Professional|year=2003|pages=302|isbn=0-07-141788-5}} they selected Elvin Hayes from the University of Houston.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1968.html|title=1968 NBA Draft|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-18}} Hayes led the team to the franchise's first ever playoff appearance in 1969,{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SDR/1969.html|title=1968–69 San Diego Rockets|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2008-05-13}} but the Rockets lost in the semi-finals of the Western Division to the Atlanta Hawks, four games to two. In 1970 NBA draft, the Rockets drafted Calvin Murphy and Rudy Tomjanovich, who would both spend their whole careers with the Rockets.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tomjaru01.html|title=Rudy Tomjanovich|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2008-05-13}}{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/murphca01.html|title=Calvin Murphy|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2008-05-13}}

Despite being coached by Hall of Fame coach Alex Hannum, the Rockets only tallied a 67–97 record and did not make the playoffs in the next two seasons.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SDR/1970.html|title=1969–70 San Diego Rockets|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2008-05-13}}{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SDR/1971.html|title=1970–71 San Diego Rockets|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2008-05-13}} Because of poor performance and attendance, Breitbard sold the team in 1971 to Texas Sports Investments, which was led by real estate broker Wayne Duddleston and banker Billy Goldberg. The group bought the franchise for $5.6 million, and immediately moved the team to Houston. The franchise became the first NBA team in Texas,{{cite web|url=http://texasalmanac.com/sites/default/files/images/NBAtexasWeb.pdf|title=Professional Basketball in Texas|work=Texas Almanac|access-date=2008-05-13|archive-date=2013-04-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130416061604/http://www.texasalmanac.com/sites/default/files/images/NBAtexasWeb.pdf|url-status=dead}} and the team's nickname of "Rockets" took on even greater relevance after the move since Houston is home to NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/team_nicknames.html|title=What's In a Name?: A LOOK AT THE STORIES BEHIND THE NAMES OF NBA TEAMS|publisher=NBA|access-date=2008-05-13}} Houston previously was awarded an NBA expansion franchise along with Buffalo, Cleveland and Portland on February 6, 1970,[https://www.nytimes.com/1970/02/07/archives/nba-adds-cleveland-houston-buffalo-portland-ore-knicks-win-13592.html "N.B.A. Adds Cleveland, Houston, Buffalo, Portland, Ore.," The New York Times, Saturday, February 7, 1970.] Retrieved March 10, 2023. but the new entry folded six weeks later on March 20 when its investment group led by Alan Rothenberg failed to make the $750,000 down payment on the $3.7 million entrance fee required before the league's college player draft.[https://www.nytimes.com/1970/03/21/archives/houston-new-team-in-nba-folds-while-its-still-on-paper.html "Houston, New Team in N.B.A., Folds While It's Still on Paper," The New York Times, Saturday, March 21, 1970.] Retrieved March 10, 2023. The NBA would return to San Diego in 1978, when the Buffalo Braves moved to the city to become the Clippers; they, too would leave the city for Los Angeles in 1984. Forty years after the Clippers left San Diego, the team moved their NBA G League affiliate from Ontario to Oceanside and adopted the San Diego Clippers name.{{cite press release|title=LA Clippers G League team to relocate and rebrand as San Diego Clippers|url=https://www.nba.com/news/la-clippers-rebrand-relocate-g-league-team|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=March 11, 2024|access-date=March 12, 2024}}

Upon their arrival, many were in disbelief that the Rockets could thrive in Houston. They were coming to a city that, at the time, had not shown much interest in professional basketball.{{cite journal|title=Up, Up, and Away|author=Curtis, Gregory|journal=Texas Monthly|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iSsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA141|date=July 1977|pages=141–6}} Houston was previously home to the Houston Mavericks of the American Basketball Association for only two seasons between 1967 and 1969, where the average attendance was only 200,{{cite news|title=True Mavericks: Houston's ABA franchise gave city first taste of pro basketball|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|url=http://www.remembertheaba.com/abaarticles/murphyarticlemavericks.html|author=Murphy, Michael|year=1996}} and even that figure may have been inflated.[http://www.remembertheaba.com/Houston-Mavericks.html Remember the ABA page on the Houston Mavericks] Despite its large size, Houston also lacked a suitable arena. The city's largest indoor arena was 34-year-old Sam Houston Coliseum, but it had not aged well. The Rockets quickly ruled out playing there even on a temporary basis. As Texas Sports Investments drew up plans for a proper arena, the Rockets were forced to play most of their games at the University of Houston's Hofheinz Pavilion, while playing occasional games at the Astrodome and San Antonio's HemisFair Arena.

Before the start of the 1971–72 NBA season, Hannum left for the Denver Rockets (later renamed Denver Nuggets) of the American Basketball Association,{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/hannual01c.html|title=Alex Hannum Coaching Record|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2008-05-14}} and University of Washington coach Tex Winter was hired in his place.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/wintete99c.html|title=Tex Winter Coaching Record|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2008-05-14}} However, Winter, who said that Hayes had "the worst fundamentals of any player" he had ever coached,{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/page2/s/rosen/021009.html|title=True tales from the camp fires|last=Rosen|first=Charley|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2008-05-14}} applied a system that contrasted with the offensive style to which Hayes was accustomed. Because of the differences between Winter and Hayes, Houston traded Hayes, who had led the Rockets in scoring for four straight years, to the Baltimore Bullets for Jack Marin at the end of the 1971–72 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/hayes_bio.html|title=Elvin Hayes Bio|work=NBA.com|access-date=2008-05-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214041740/http://www.nba.com/history/hayes_bio.html|archive-date=2015-02-14|url-status=dead}} Winter left soon after, being fired in January 1973 following a ten-game losing streak and with the Rockets as the second worst team of the league (ahead of only the infamous 76ers team which would finish 9-73), and was replaced by Johnny Egan.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=860&dat=19730122&id=t3FUAAAAIBAJ&sjid=o48DAAAAIBAJ&pg=5479,1142232 |title=Tex Winter Fired |newspaper=Ellensburg Daily Register|author=UPI|date=22 January 1973|access-date=May 15, 2008}}

With a 41–41 record, the Rockets would earn their first NBA Playoff berth in the 1975 NBA Playoffs since moving from San Diego as well as winning their first playoff series in franchise history by defeating the New York Knicks led by Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe in a 3-game mini series, but would ultimately bow to the upcoming champions Boston Celtics in 5 games in the semi-finals.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609022502/http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/history.html#6|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/history.html#6 |title=1974-76: A Glimmer Of Progress|archive-date=2010-06-09|work=NBA.com |access-date=May 30, 2008}} The Rockets would move into their own arena, The Summit, the following season. The arena was located near Greenway Plaza, whose developer Kenneth Schnitzer became the Rockets' primary owner.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/03/business/kenneth-l-schnitzer-70-dies-innovative-houston-developer.html|title=Kenneth L. Schnitzer, 70, Dies; Innovative Houston Developer|first=Robert D. Jr.|last=Hershey|website=The New York Times|date=November 3, 1999|access-date=October 25, 2015}}

Due to Egan's failure to qualify for the playoffs, as soon as the season ended he was replaced by coach Tom Nissalke. Nissalke knew the Rockets had firepower but needed a rebounding center and a play-making guard, and he pressed the Rockets management to acquire college standout John Lucas – drafted first overall in the 1976 NBA draft, a pick Houston acquired by sending Gus Bailey, Joe Meriweather and the ninth pick to the Atlanta Hawks – and his former player at the ABA's Utah Stars Moses Malone – while Malone started the 1976–77 season with the Buffalo Braves, Houston acquired him by sending Buffalo first-round picks in the next two drafts. After Malone led the Rockets in rebounding for the first of six straight times, and established a then-NBA record for offensive rebounds in a season,{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/players/malonem_bio.html|title=Moses Malone Bio|work=NBA.com|access-date=2008-05-15}} the Rockets posted a franchise-best 49-wins and won the franchise's first Division Title finishing on top of the Central Division. After a first round bye in the playoffs, Houston defeated the Washington Bullets led by former Rocket Elvin Hayes as well as Wes Unseld in seven games in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, and advanced to the conference finals for the first time in their history, but they lost to the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers led by former ABA superstar Julius Erving 4–2.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1977.html|title=1976–77 Houston Rockets|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2008-05-15}}

Early into 1977–78 season, at a game on December 9, 1977, Kevin Kunnert got into a fight with Kermit Washington of the Los Angeles Lakers. As Tomjanovich approached the altercation, Washington turned and punched Tomjanovich squarely in the face, causing numerous fractures in his face.{{cite news|url=http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1093209/1/index.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716205610/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1093209/1/index.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 16, 2012|title=Shattered And Shaken|last=Kirkpatrick|first=Curry |date=January 2, 1978|work=Sports Illustrated|access-date=2008-05-29}} Tomjanovich spent the next five months in rehabilitation and returned to appear in the 1978 All-Star Game, but his averages significantly declined after the injury,{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/ccovtue.htm|title=New start from old wounds|last=Moore|first=David Leon|date=November 26, 2002|work=USA Today|access-date=2008-05-29}} and Houston finished with just 28 wins in the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1978.html|title=1977–78 Houston Rockets|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2008-05-29}}

Image:Calvin Murphy 1.jpg

In the following season, Malone, Murphy, and Tomjanovich all played in the 1979 NBA All-Star Game, and Malone received the 1979 MVP Award. The Rockets also sent John Lucas II to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Rick Barry, who went on to set the NBA record at the time for free throw percentage in a season by shooting 94.7%.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/players/barry_bio.html|title=Rick Barry Bio|work=NBA.com|access-date=2008-05-29}} The Rockets went 47–35 in Nissalke's last season as coach, and finished second in the Central Division, but they lost to Atlanta in a best-of-three first round series.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1979.html|title=1978–79 Houston Rockets|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2008-05-29}}

In 1979 George Maloof, a businessperson from Albuquerque, New Mexico, bought the Rockets for $9 million. He died the following year, and while the Maloof family expressed interest in selling the team, George's 24-year-old son Gavin took over the Rockets. A buyer was eventually found in 1982 as businessman Charlie Thomas purchased the franchise for $11 million; the Maloofs would later own the Sacramento Kings from 1998 to 2013. The Maloof period of ownership marked the first dominant period of the Rockets,{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/15/magazine/15MALOOF.html?pagewanted=2|title=The Flying Maloof Brothers|author=Lindgren, Hugo|work=The New York Times|date=February 15, 2004|access-date=June 2, 2015}} led by new coach Del Harris. In Houston's 1979–80 campaign, the team finished with a 41–41 record, tying the San Antonio Spurs for second place in the Central Division.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1980.html|title=1979–80 Houston Rockets|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2008-05-29}} The Rockets defeated the Spurs two games to one in their first round playoff series, they were swept by the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

In the 1980–81 season, after the newly established Dallas Mavericks became the third NBA team in Texas, the NBA restructured the conferences and sent the Rockets, who had previously played in the Eastern Conference, to the Midwest Division of the Western Conference.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609022502/http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/history.html#9|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/history.html#9 |title=History: 1978-80: Malone Shines, But Houston Stumbles In Playoffs |archive-date=2010-06-09|work=NBA.com |access-date=May 30, 2008}} In Harris's second season, Houston tied with Kansas City for second place in the Midwest Division behind San Antonio with a 40–42 record, and qualified for the playoffs with just one game left.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1981.html|title=1980–81 Houston Rockets|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2008-05-30}} During the season, Murphy set two NBA records, by sinking 78 consecutive free throws to break Rick Barry's mark of 60 set in 1976, and achieving a free-throw percentage of .958, breaking Barry's record set with the Rockets in 1979.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/players/murphy_bio.html|title=NBA.com Calvin Murphy Bio|publisher=NBA|access-date=2009-02-18}} In the playoffs, Houston began a run that began when they upset Los Angeles two games to one, and then defeated George Gervin's Spurs four games to three in the Western Conference semifinals.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1981.html|title=1980–81 NBA Season Summary|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-18}} This resulted in a conference finals matchup with the Kansas City Kings, who were led by Otis Birdsong, Scott Wedman, and Phil Ford. When the Kings fell to the Rockets in five games, the Rockets became the only team in NBA history to advanced to the Finals after having a losing record in the regular season.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=greatestupsets/070406|title=Is Warriors over Mavs greatest upset ever? |date=May 4, 2007|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2008-05-30}} However, after splitting the first four games of the series with Boston, Houston eventually lost in six games.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19801981.html|title=Celtics Return to Glory|work=NBA.com|access-date=2008-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222181104/http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19801981.html|archive-date=2012-02-22|url-status=dead}}

The following season, the Rockets improved their regular season mark to 46–36 but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Seattle SuperSonics 4 games to 1 (marking the first of 6 postseason meeting between the two franchises).{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1982.html|title=1981–82 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-18}} Although Malone won the MVP in that season, and new owner Charlie Thomas expressed interest in renewing his contract,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/06/16/sports/nuggets-rockets-are-sold.html|title=NUGGETS, ROCKETS ARE SOLD|work=New York Times|date=June 16, 1982|access-date=June 2, 2015}} in the following offseason, the Rockets traded him to the Philadelphia 76ers for Caldwell Jones, to avoid paying his salary. When the Rockets finished a league worst 14–68,{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1983.html|title=1982–83 NBA Season Summary|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-18}} Celtics coach Bill Fitch was hired to replace outgoing Del Harris,{{cite news|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1983/10/31/its-just-a-matter-of-time/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102055907/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1121428/index.htm|url-status=live|archive-date=January 2, 2013|title=It's Just A Matter Of Time|last=Cotton|first=Anthony|date=October 31, 1983|work=Sports Illustrated|access-date=2009-02-18}} and after winning a coin flip with the Indiana Pacers to obtain the first pick of the 1983 NBA draft, the Rockets selected Ralph Sampson from the University of Virginia.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1983.html|title=1983 NBA Draft|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-18}} Sampson had good numbers as the Rockets finished only 29–53 in the 1983–1984 season, averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds per game and earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sampsra01.html|title=Ralph Sampson Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-18}}

File:Lipofsky-Kevin_McHale.jpg and Jim Petersen surround Kevin McHale (who would 25 years later become Houston's coach) during the 1986 NBA Finals.]]

Houston was again given the first pick of the 1984 NBA draft, and they used it to select Hakeem Olajuwon from the University of Houston.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1984.html|title=1984 NBA Draft|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-18}} In his first season, Olajuwon finished second to Michael Jordan in NBA Rookie of the Year balloting,{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/hakeem_olajuwon/index.html|title=NBA.com: Hakeem Olajuwon Player Info|work=NBA.com|access-date=2009-02-18}} and the Rockets record improved by 19 games, although they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1985.html|title=1984–85 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-18}}

In the following season, both Olajuwon and Sampson were named to the Western Conference All-Stars in that year's all-star game,{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/allstar/boxscore_1985.html|title=1985 All-Star Game Boxscore|work=NBA.com|access-date=2009-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080504002227/http://www.nba.com/history/allstar/boxscore_1985.html|archive-date=2008-05-04|url-status=dead}} and the duo was nicknamed the "Twin Towers".{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/history.html#13|title=Rockets History – 1983–85: How Do You Stop Two 7–Footers?|work=NBA.com|access-date=2009-02-18|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819124021/http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/history.html#13|archive-date=2010-08-19}} Houston won the Midwest Division title with a 51–31 record. In contrast to the other guard-oriented teams of the Western Conference, the Rockets had a high rotation on the position – John Lucas left the team 65 games into the season, Allen Leavell replaced him for 12 games before breaking his wrist, and Robert Reid took over as the starter from the final game of the regular season on. During the playoffs, the Rockets swept the Sacramento Kings before a hard-fought series with Alex English's Denver Nuggets, including one game going to double overtime in the exhausting altitude of the Mile-High City. The young squad grinded it out and eventually pulled away with the victory over the Nuggets 4–2. When faced with defending champion Lakers in the Conference Finals, the Rockets were ready to knock off their rivals who had the best of them during the regular season. The Rockets, however, were blown out of Game 1 with Olajuwon's spinning reverse dunks and Sampson's alley-oops notwithstanding. Embarrassed by the loss, Olajuwon and the Rockets stormed back to shock the star-studded defending champions with 4 straight wins in an impressive four games to one series victory, a feat that no other Western Conference team had come close to doing against the Showtime Lakers.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/lookingback_86finals.html|title=1986: Tough to the Finish|first=Dave|last=Winder|publisher=Houston Rockets official website|access-date=June 3, 2015}} Sampson's buzzer beater that won Game 5 was described by him as "the greatest moment of my basketball career".{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1986_240445|title=Greatest moment in basketball career, says Ralph|last=Shattuck|first=Harry|date=May 22, 1986|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-21}} The Rockets competed in the finals for only the second time in team history,{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1986.html|title=1985–86 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-18}} once again facing the Celtics. Boston sportswriters were not happy about not getting a shot at revenge against the Lakers who had beaten the Celtics in the Finals the year before, yet the matchup was interesting with the young front court challenging the playoff-hardened Celtics front court of Bird, McHale and Parish. The Celtics won the first two games at the Boston Garden, only for the Rockets to win two games once the series went back to Houston – a close game 3 under Sampson's leadership, and a 15 point-leading game 5 without him as he got ejected – while also losing game 4 due to late Larry Bird 3 pointers and untimely turnovers by Rockets guard Mitchell Wiggins. Game 6 went back to Boston with Sampson finding himself again in foul trouble and of little effect against the older and wiser Celtics. After the series, Boston coach KC Jones called the Rockets, "the new monsters on the block" with the future looking very bright for the Rockets. During the six-game championship series loss against the Celtics, Sampson averaged 14.8 points on .438 shooting, 9.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/lookingback_86finals.html|title=1986: Tough to the Finish|first=Dave|last=Winder|publisher=Houston Rockets official website|access-date=June 3, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19851986.html|title=1986 NBA Finals: Boston 4, Houston 2|work=NBA.com|access-date=June 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629214853/http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19851986.html|archive-date=June 29, 2012|url-status=dead}}

In the next year, the Rockets started poorly, winning only 15 of the first 33 games amidst injuries among the star players and off-court controversies for the rest of the roster, such as Lewis Lloyd and Mitchell Wiggins getting suspended for cocaine use.[https://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/15/sports/rockets-discuss-drug-temptation.html Rockets discuss drug temptation]; The New York Times, 15 January 1987[https://www.si.com/vault/1987/01/19/106777361/they-cant-get-off-the-ground Rockets discuss drug temptation]; Sports Illustrated, 15 January 1987 The team still made the playoffs, and advanced to the second round past favored Clyde Drexler and his Portland Trail Blazers (eventually proving to be their last playoff victory until 1993), before being eliminated by the Seattle SuperSonics in Game 6, a double-overtime classic in which Olajuwon scored 49 points in the losing cause.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1987.html|title=1986–87 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-19}}

While Sampson signed a new deal prior to the 1987–88 NBA season, he was traded early in the season to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Joe Barry Carroll and Sleepy Floyd.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1915&dat=19871213&id=5PI0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=GHIFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1474,3053354|newspaper=The Day|title=Warriors Acquire Sampson In Trade With Rockets|date=December 13, 1987|access-date=June 30, 2015}} Sampson only learned of the trade once he arrived in Houston after a road game.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19871215&id=cTpOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=sxMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7015,7881918|title=Sampson Bitter Over Trade to Warriors|newspaper=Star-News|agency=Associated Press|date=1987-12-15}} The Twin Towers were split just 18 months after their finals appearance.[http://grantland.com/features/an-oral-history-hakeem-olajuwon-ralph-sampson-1980s-houston-rockets/ The Greatest Team That Never Was]; Grantland, November 8, 2012

During the next three seasons, the Rockets were eliminated three straight times in the first round of the playoffs,{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1988.html|title=1988 NBA Playoff Summary|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-19}}{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1989.html|title=1989 NBA Playoff Summary|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-19}}{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/NBA_1990.html|title=1990 NBA Playoff Summary|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-19}} with the first of those in 1988, the Dallas Mavericks defeating the Rockets in four games, leading to Fitch's dismissal. Don Chaney was hired to replace him and lead the Rockets to the playoffs in his first season in Houston, losing to the Seattle SuperSonics in four games thanks to a buzzer-beater that ended the Rockets season.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/coachfile/don_chaney/|title=Don Chaney Coach Info|work=NBA.com|access-date=2009-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013212239/http://www.nba.com/coachfile/don_chaney/|archive-date=2018-10-13|url-status=dead}}[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1842&dat=19880614&id=mIQ0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=nMgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3465,2124367 New Rocket Coach: Ease Up on Olajuwon]

Chaney was named the Coach of the Year for the 1990–91 season, after leading the Rockets to a 52–30 record despite Olajuwon's absence due to injury for 25 games.{{cite journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RrADAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA50|journal=Jet|title=Houston's Don Chaney NBA Coach of the Year|date=17 June 1991|access-date=June 30, 2015}} The Rockets were once again eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, 3–0 to the Lakers.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1991.html|title=1990–91 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-19}} Midway through the next season, with the Rockets' record only 26–26, Chaney was fired and replaced by one of his assistants, former Houston player Tomjanovich.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/19/sports/sports-people-basketball-chaney-out-in-houston-rudy-t-takes-over.html|title=SPORTS PEOPLE: BASKETBALL; Chaney Out in Houston; Rudy T. Takes Over|work=The New York Times|date=February 19, 1992|access-date=February 19, 2009}}{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1992.html|title=1991–92 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-19}} Although the Rockets did not make the playoffs, in the next year, the Rockets won-loss record improved by 13 games, as they won 55 games.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1993.html|title=1992–93 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-19}} Olajuwon won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, and the Rockets clinched the Midwest title. The playoffs started with Houston's first series victory in 5 years by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers, before an elimination by the SuperSonics during a game 7 overtime loss in one of the classic postseason series in NBA History.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/history.html#18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071229020548/http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/history.html#18|archive-date=December 29, 2007 |title=Rockets History – 1992-93: "Rudy T" Sees Season End In OT |work=NBA.com |access-date=February 21, 2009}}

On July 30, 1993, Leslie Alexander purchased the Rockets for $85 million.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1993_1144426|title=Rockets sale|last=Truex|first=Alan|date=July 31, 1993|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-21}} In Tomjanovich's second full year as head coach, the Rockets began the 1993–94 season by tying an NBA record with start of 15–0.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1993_1169776|title=Rockets fans disappointed with loss but liked the ride|last=Asin|first=Stefanie|date=December 4, 1993|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-21}} Led by Olajuwon, who was named the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year,{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1994_1210154|title=Olajuwon caps year of honors|last=Blount|first=Terry|date=June 24, 1994|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-21}} the Rockets won a franchise-record 58 games.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1994.html|title=1993–94 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-21}} The Rockets recovered from being two games down to the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the playoffs,{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/history.html#19|title=Rockets History – 1993–94: Rockets Shoot To NBA Title|work=NBA.com|access-date=2009-02-21|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819124021/http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/history.html#19|archive-date=2010-08-19}} to advance to the finals. Houston was once again down by three games to two to the New York Knicks, but they managed to win the last two games on their home court, and claim their first championship in franchise history. Olajuwon was awarded the Finals MVP, after averaging 27 points, nine rebounds and four blocked shots a game.

The Rockets initially struggled in the first half of the 1994–95 season,{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/history.html#20|title=Rockets History – 1994–95: "Clutch City" – Rockets Repeat|work=NBA.com|access-date=2009-02-21|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819124021/http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/history.html#20|archive-date=2010-08-19}} and ended up winning only 47 games, which was 11 games lower than their previous year's total.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1995.html|title=1994–95 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-21}} In a midseason trade with Portland, the Rockets obtained guard Clyde Drexler, a former teammate of Olajuwon at the University of Houston,{{cite web|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1995_1256819|title=Reunion with fraternity mate a thrill for Olajuwon|last=Sefko|first=Eddie|date=February 15, 1995|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-21}} in exchange for Otis Thorpe.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1995_1256696|title=Home to Houston|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-21}} Houston entered the playoffs as the sixth seed in the Western Conference, but then started a strong playoff run that earned the nickname "Clutch City". After pushing the 60–22 Utah Jazz to five games, the Rockets were down by seven points with 5:40 remaining before Drexler led a comeback. They fell behind 3–1 to the 59–23 Phoenix Suns in the second round, but won three straight to win the series, and became only the first team in NBA history to overcome both a 2–0 and a 3–1 series deficit in a seven-game series.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1995_1281363|title=Rockets rally from 2–0, 3–1 to beat Phoenix|last=Thompson|first=Carlton|date=June 18, 1995|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-21}} The Rockets then beat in the conference finals the 62–20 San Antonio Spurs, which included that season's MVP David Robinson, with Olajuwon, averaging 35.3 points and 12.5 rebounds.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1995_1281348|title=Rockets' remarkable run is a story worth repeating|last=Sefko|first=Eddie|date=June 18, 1995|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-21}} The return to the Finals was against the Orlando Magic, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway. When Houston swept the series in four straight games, they became the first team in NBA history to win the championship as a sixth seed – still the champion with the lowest seed, and the only without home court in any round – and the first to beat four 50-win teams in a single postseason en route to the championship.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1995_1281360|title=Rockets overcome countless obstacles en route to repeat|last=Stickney|first=W.H. Jr.|date=June 18, 1995|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-21}}{{cite news|url=http://www.houstonpress.com/news/clutch-city-an-oral-history-of-the-houston-rockets-miracle-playoff-run-7373022|title=Clutch City: An Oral History of the Houston Rockets Miracle Playoff Run|last=Pendergast|first=Sean|date=April 21, 2015|work=Houston Press|access-date=2016-02-21}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2015/news/features/fran_blinebury/04/16/houston-rockets-1995-team-can-any-team-replicate-their-run-from-no-6-seed/|title=Even 20 years later, Rockets' title run a stunning NBA feat|date=April 16, 2015|first= Fran|last= Blinebury|work=NBA.com|access-date=2016-02-21}} Olajuwon was named the Finals MVP, becoming only the second player after Michael Jordan to win the award two years in a row.

During the offseason, the Rockets went for a change of visual identity, making navy blue and silver the new primary colors while adopting a new cartoon-inspired logo and pinstriped jerseys.{{cite news|title=Out with the old, In with the new|author=Barron, David|newspaper=Houston Chronicle|date=June 29, 1995}} The Rockets won 48 games in the 1995–96 campaign,{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1996.html|title=1995–96 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-22}} in which Olajuwon became the NBA's all-time leader in blocked shots.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/history.html#21|title=Rockets History – 1995–96: Bid For Three Swept Away|work=NBA.com|access-date=2009-02-22|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819124021/http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/history.html#21|archive-date=2010-08-19}} They beat the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs, but were swept by the eventual Western Conference Champions Seattle SuperSonics in the second round.

Before the start of the succeeding season, the Rockets made a dramatic trade that sent four players to Phoenix in exchange for Charles Barkley.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1996_1360369|title=Rockets finally get Barkley|last=Sefko|first=Eddie|date=August 19, 1996|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-22}} The resulting "Big Three" of Olajuwon, Drexler, and Barkley led the Rockets to a 57–25 record,{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1997.html|title=1996–97 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-22}} and Houston swept Minnesota in the first round. However, after a 7-game battle with Seattle (which was their first, and to date, the only Playoff Series Victory over the Supersonics in another classic series), the Rockets fell in the Western Conference finals to the Utah Jazz, a team they had beaten on their way to championships in 1994 and 1995.

The 1997–98 season was marked by injuries,{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/history.html#23|title=Rockets History – 1997–98: High on Heart|work=NBA.com|access-date=2009-02-22|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819124021/http://www.nba.com/rockets/history/history.html#23|archive-date=2010-08-19}} and the team finished 41–41 with the eighth seed in the Western Conference.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1998.html|title=1997–98 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-22}} Houston once again faced the Jazz, this time in the first round, and they lost the series 3–2. Drexler retired after the season,{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1998_3041724|title=Drexler plans to glide to UH as head coach|last=Wizig|first=Jerry|author2=Murphy, Michael |author3=Solomon, Jerome |date=March 18, 1998|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-22}} and the Rockets made another bold trade to bring in Scottie Pippen to take his place.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1999_3111941|title=Rockets work deal for Pippen|last=Feigen|first=Jonathan|author2=Murphy, Michael|date=January 19, 1999|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-22}} In the strike-shortened 1998–99 season, the Rockets went 31–19, but lost to the Lakers in the first round 3–1 in the playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1999.html|title=1998–99 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-22}}

After the 1999 draft, the Rockets traded for the second overall pick Steve Francis from the Vancouver Grizzlies, in exchange for four players and a first round draft pick.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1999_3160938|title=Rockets complete Francis deal|last=Feigen|first=Jonathan|date=August 28, 1999|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-22}} However, after Houston traded a discontented Pippen to Portland (stating chemistry problems with old rival and now teammate Barkley),{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1999_3168650|title=Rockets unload Pippen to Blazers|last=Feigen|first=Jonathan|author2=Murphy, Michael|date=October 2, 1999|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-22}} and Barkley suffered a career-ending injury,{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1999_3182568|title=Torn tendon ends Sir Charles' career|last=Feigen|first=Jonathan|date=December 9, 1999|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-22}} the rebuilt Rockets went 34–48 and missed the playoffs,{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2000.html|title=1999–00 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-22}} for only the second time in 15 years. In the 2000–01 season, the Rockets worked their way to a 45–37 record, but still did not make the playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2001.html|title=2000–01 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-23}} In the following offseason, a 38-year-old Olajuwon requested a trade, and, despite stating their desire to keep him, the Rockets reached a sign and trade agreement, sending him to the Toronto Raptors.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2001_3324010|title=Rockets collect themselves after hard blow|last=Feigen|first=Jonathan|date=August 3, 2001|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-23}} The proceeding season was unremarkable, as Houston's first season without Olajuwon in almost 20 years finished with a disappointing 28–54 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2002.html|title=2001–02 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-23}}

With the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft, the Rockets selected Yao Ming, a 7-foot 6-inch Chinese center.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2002_3558639|title=Yao the Man|last=Blinebury|first=Fran|date=June 27, 2002|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-23}} The Rockets' record improved by 15 games,{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2003.html|title=2002–03 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-23}} but they missed the playoffs by one game.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2003.html|title=2002–03 NBA Season Summary|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-23}}

Image:Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz.jpg in the 2008 playoffs]]

In the following season, Houston began playing in their new arena, the Toyota Center,{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2003_3698392|title=New arena buoys spirits|last=Feigen|first=Jonathan|date=October 10, 2003|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-23}} and redesigned their uniforms and logo,{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2003_3692266|title=Red's in fashion again|last=Feigen|first=Jonathan|date=September 21, 2003|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-23}} as long-time coach Tomjanovich resigned after being diagnosed with bladder cancer,{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2003_3657129|title=End of an era|last=Feigen|first=Jonathan|date=May 24, 2003|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-23}} and was replaced by Jeff Van Gundy.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2003_3662072|title=Van Gundy says yes to coaching Rockets|last=Feigen|first=Jonathan|date=June 10, 2003|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-23}} The Rockets finished the regular season with a record of 45–37,{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2004.html|title=2003–04 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-23}} and earned their first playoff berth since 1999, but the Lakers again handed the Rockets a loss in the first round.

In the offseason, Houston saw major changes in the roster as the Rockets acquired Tracy McGrady in a seven-player deal with the Orlando Magic.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2004_3777107|title=T–Mac comes to H–Town|last=Feigen|first=Jonathan|date=June 30, 2004|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-23}} The 2004–05 season saw McGrady and Yao lead the Rockets to their best record in 10 years, finishing at 51–31 and seeded fifth in the Western Conference playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2005.html|title=2004–05 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-23}} However, their season ended in the first round of the playoffs as they lost to their in-state rival, the Dallas Mavericks, in seven games, despite leading the series 2–0.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2005_3868950|title=Mavericks off and running from start to finish|last=Feigen|first=Jonathan|date=May 8, 2005|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-23}}

The following season, after an injury-plagued year in which McGrady and Yao missed a total of 70 games, the team finished with only 34 wins, and missed the playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2006.html|title=2005–06 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-23}} The Rockets improved by 18 games the next year, with 52 wins,{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2007.html|title=2006–07 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-23}} but once again lost in the first round after leading 2–0, when they lost in seven games to Utah.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2007_4340102|title=Rockets, T–Mac remain at a loss|last=Feigen|first=Jonathan|date=May 6, 2007|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-23}} After the loss, Van Gundy was fired,{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2005_3868950|title=Van Gundy dismissed as Rockets coach|last=Feigen|first=Jonathan|date=May 18, 2007|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-23}} and the Rockets hired Rick Adelman to replace him.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4824133.html|title=Adelman reaches deal to coach Rockets|last=Feigen|first=Jonathan|date=May 21, 2008|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-23}} In the following year, despite Yao suffering a season-ending injury for the third year in a row,{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3265631|title=Yao done for season with stress fracture in left foot|date=February 27, 2008|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2009-02-23}} the Rockets won 22 consecutive games, which is the second longest winning streak in NBA history. This streak included going 13–0 in the month of February, making them the first team since the 1996 Chicago Bulls to finish an entire month undefeated. Houston finished their season 55–27,{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/2008.html|title=2007–08 Houston Rockets Roster and Statistics|work=basketball-reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|access-date=2009-02-23}} but were eliminated for the second year in row by the Jazz in the first round of the playoffs, 4 games to 2.{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2008_4561020|title=Salt Lake heartache|last=Feigen|first=Jonathan|date=May 3, 2008|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2009-02-23}}

In the next off-season, the Rockets acquired Ron Artest from the Sacramento Kings. The new "Big Three" of McGrady, Yao, and Artest barely played any games together due to nagging injuries. McGrady's knee bothered him for much of the year, hampering his performance, and he eventually opted for mid-season microfracture surgery which would keep him out for the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3914888|title=McGrady says he will have surgery|publisher=ESPN|date=2 February 2008|access-date=June 30, 2015}} Despite this, the team then went on to win 53 games that season and earned themselves a first-round match-up with the Portland Trail Blazers. Houston struck fast, blowing the Trailblazers out on the road in game one en route to a 4–2 series win and their first time advancing from the first round since 1997.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2009/matchup/_/teams/rockets-trailblazers|title=2009 NBA Playoffs – First Round – Rockets vs. Trailblazers|work=ESPN.com|access-date=February 23, 2009}} The games against the Blazers were also the last ever of veteran center Dikembe Mutombo’s career, as he injured his knee and was forced to retire after 18 seasons in the NBA.{{cite news |url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2008_4561020 |title=Salt Lake heartache |last=Feigen |first=Jonathan |date=May 3, 2008 |work=Houston Chronicle |access-date=February 23, 2009}} However, despite winning the first game of the 2009 Western Conference Semifinals against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Rockets ended up losing a tough-fought series in seven games,{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/playoffs2009_b.html|title=NBA Playoffs 2009- Western Conference – Los Angeles vs Houston|work=NBA.com|access-date=February 23, 2015}} and saw Yao leave with an injury, that eventually sidelined him for the upcoming season. During the off-season, sixth man Von Wafer left for Greece,[https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4394104 Wafer says he's signed with Olympiakos] and Artest left the team after signing with the Lakers,{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/090708lakerssignronartest.html|title=The Los Angeles Lakers Sign Ron Artest|publisher=Lakers.com|access-date=June 30, 2015}} but the Rockets acquired Laker defensive star Trevor Ariza using the Disabled Player Exception granted by the league due to Yao's injury.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/Itrsquos_Official_Trevor_Ar-318539-34.html|title=Its Official: Trevor Ariza Becomes Newest Member of Houston Rockets|work=THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE HOUSTON ROCKETS|access-date=June 30, 2015}}

On September 23, 2009, the Rockets unveiled new alternate uniforms, which were inspired by the 1994–95 championship uniforms and featured similar colors.{{cite web|url=http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-new-alternate-jerseys-have-look-of-a-1604531.php|title=Rockets' new alternate jerseys have look of a champion|first=Jordan|last=Godwin |date=November 6, 2009|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2015-05-25}} On February 18, 2010, hours before the trade deadline, the Rockets acquired Kevin Martin, Jordan Hill, Hilton Armstrong, and Jared Jeffries in a three-team trade that sent Tracy McGrady to the New York Knicks, and Joey Dorsey and Carl Landry to the Sacramento Kings.[https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4924836 T-Mac traded in 3-team deal] Despite the stellar play of Martin and Aaron Brooks, with the latter being named the NBA Most Improved Player, the Rockets could not make it to the playoffs, finishing 42–40, 3rd in the Southwest Division. At that time, the Rockets set an NBA record for best record by a team with no All-Stars.[https://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/14795/houston-rockets-make-history-while-missing-the-playoffs Houston Rockets make history while missing playoffs]{{cite web|url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2010/04/thats-a-wrap-but-whats-next-what-should-be/|title=That's a wrap. But what's next? What should be?|work=Ultimate Rockets|date=15 April 2010|access-date=June 30, 2015}}

The Rockets drafted Patrick Patterson of Kentucky with the 14th pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. On July 15, the Rockets signed free agent Brad Miller. About one month later, Trevor Ariza was traded to the New Orleans Hornets in a four-team, five-player trade. The Rockets received Courtney Lee from the New Jersey Nets in return.[http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-finally-get-Courtney-Lee-deal-Trevor-1713393.php Rockets finally get Courtney Lee, deal Trevor Ariza]

The 2010–11 NBA season started badly for the Rockets, who lost the first five games.{{cite news |title=Rockets' resurgence shows potential for growth|date=April 8, 2011 |work=Houston Chronicle |url=http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-resurgence-shows-potential-for-growth-1690699.php| access-date=July 20, 2011}} In the seventh, Yao Ming injured his left ankle in what was just his fifth game that season.[https://web.archive.org/web/20160908223512/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=301110027 John Wall gets triple-double, Yao Ming gets injured in Wizards' win vs. Rockets] After being examined, what was thought to be a mild sprain turned out to be a stress fracture which kept Yao off of the court for another season.{{cite web |title=NBA star Yao Ming suffers fresh injury setback |website=CNN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528040418/https://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/12/17/basketball.yao.ming.injury/ |archive-date=2022-05-28 |url-status=live |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/12/17/basketball.yao.ming.injury/}} In July 2011, Yao, only 30, retired after a series of unfortunate injuries cut his career short.{{cite news |title=Yao tells packed press conference in Shanghai he is retiring from NBA |date=July 20, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=Time Inc |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/basketball/nba/07/20/yao.retires.ap/index.html?sct=hp_t2_a3 |access-date=July 20, 2011 |archive-date=February 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203105639/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/basketball/nba/07/20/yao.retires.ap/index.html?sct=hp_t2_a3 |url-status=dead }}

By the All-Star break in February 2011, the Rockets were 26–31. On February 24, 2011, the Rockets traded Shane Battier to the Memphis Grizzlies for Hasheem Thabeet and a first-round pick. They also traded Aaron Brooks to the Phoenix Suns for Goran Dragić and a first-round pick. Afterwards the team won 15 games out of 20, reaching a winning record and contending for a playoff spot. The team entered April with chances of qualifying for the postseason, but for the second straight season the Rockets failed to make the playoffs after losing to the New Orleans Hornets in Louisiana with three games remaining.[http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2011/04/as-the-sounds-of-celebrations-fill-the-halls-rockets-suffer-quietly-better-but-not-good-enough/ As the sounds of celebrations fill the halls, Rockets suffer quietly; better but not good enough] The team still finished the year with a 43-39 winning record.[http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2011/04/with-rockets-season-over-whats-next-well-start-with-moreyadelman-get-together-ill-bring-the-wine/ With Rockets season over, what's next. We’ll start with Morey/Adelman get together. (I’ll bring the wine.)] Head coach Rick Adelman left the Rockets right after the season.[https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=6384752 Rick Adelman, Rockets part ways]

On June 1, 2011, the Rockets named Kevin McHale their next head coach.[http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/kevin_mchale_named_rockets_hea_2011_06_01.html Kevin McHale Named Rockets Head Coach] With the 14th pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets selected Marcus Morris from the University of Kansas. With the 38th pick in that same draft, they selected Chandler Parsons from the University of Florida. During an offseason extended by the 2011 NBA lockout, the Rockets' front office started to plan a roster overhaul,[http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/If-there-s-no-NBA-season-Rockets-may-consider-2273516.php If there's no NBA season, Rockets may consider overhauling roster] and after the lockout ended, the team tried to use their cap space to attract many high-profile free agents, including Chris Paul, Nenê and Pau Gasol.[https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/ball-dont-lies-2011-12-season-previews-houston-rockets?urn=nba,wp11994 Ball Don’t Lie's 2011-12 Season Previews: Houston Rockets]

Nearing the trade deadline on March 15, 2012, the Rockets traded Hasheem Thabeet and Jonny Flynn to the Portland Trail Blazers for Marcus Camby. The Rockets also sent Jordan Hill to the Lakers in return for Derek Fisher (who was waived shortly after and signed with the Thunder) and a first-round pick in the 2012 NBA draft. During the strike-shortened 2011–12 season, the Rockets were eliminated from playoff contention during the season's penultimate game against eventual champions Miami Heat.{{Cite web |url=http://www.khou.com/story/sports/2014/07/19/11704416/ |title=Rockets fall to Heat, eliminated from playoff contention |access-date=2015-05-26 |archive-date=2015-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527002018/http://www.khou.com/story/sports/2014/07/19/11704416/ |url-status=dead }}

Before the 2012 NBA draft, the Milwaukee Bucks traded the 12th overall pick, Shaun Livingston, Jon Brockman, and Jon Leuer to the Rockets for the 14th overall pick and Samuel Dalembert.[https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2012/story/_/id/8104029/2012-nba-draft-houston-rockets-make-trade-milwaukee-bucks-move-12 Rockets trade for No. 12 pick] The Minnesota Timberwolves also traded the 18th pick in the draft to Houston for Chase Budinger.[https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2012/story/_/id/8097233/minnesota-timberwolves-send-18th-pick-houston-rockets-chase-budinger-rights-lior-eliyahu Rockets acquire No. 18 pick] In the 2012 NBA Draft, Houston drafted Jeremy Lamb of Connecticut, Royce White of Iowa State, and Terrence Jones of Kentucky with the 12th, 16th, and 18th picks, respectively.

During the 2012 NBA offseason, the Rockets made significant changes to their roster. Early in July, they traded Kyle Lowry to the Toronto Raptors,[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8156830/houston-rockets-trade-marcus-camby-new-york-nicks-kyle-lowry-toronto-raptors Marcus Camby, Kyle Lowry traded] let Goran Dragić return to the Phoenix Suns via free agency,[http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/19500651/phoenix-suns-agree-to-sign-goran-dragic-to-4-year-deal Phoenix Suns agree to sign Goran Dragic to 4-year deal] and saw the arrival of 2011 pick Donatas Motiejūnas from Lithuania, who was signed to a multiyear deal.[http://www.nba.com/2012/news/07/06/motiejunas-rockets.ap/index.html Rockets sign center Motiejunas to multiyear deal] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708235203/http://www.nba.com/2012/news/07/06/motiejunas-rockets.ap/index.html |date=2012-07-08 }} On July 13, the Rockets released veteran forward Luis Scola using their one-time amnesty clause.[http://www.nba.com/2012/news/07/13/rockets-amnesty-scola.ap/ Rockets use amnesty clause on forward Scola] On July 18, The Rockets signed Jeremy Lin, a restricted free agent, to a three-year, $25.1 million contract after the New York Knicks decided not to match the Rockets' offer sheet.[http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/rockets-sign-jeremy-lin Rockets Sign Jeremy Lin] Lin achieved worldwide fame with a 25-game stretch of high performance basketball play known as "Linsanity", where he stepped up in place of the Knicks' injured players. On July 20, Ömer Aşık, a restricted free agent from the Chicago Bulls, signed a three-year, $25.1 million offer sheet with the Rockets. The Bulls decided to not match the offer, and on July 24, Asik officially joined the Rockets.[http://www.nba.com/rockets/rockets-sign-center-omer-asik Rockets Sign center Omer Asik] On October 27, 2012, the Rockets traded Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, and two future first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder for reigning sixth man of the year James Harden, along with Cole Aldrich, Daequan Cook, and Lazar Hayward.[http://www.nba.com/rockets/sites/rockets/files/media/harden_press_release.pdf Rockets Land Reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year James Harden Along with Aldrich, Cook and Hayward in Trade with Oklahoma City] Harden stepped out of his previous sixth man role and into the starting lineup for the Rockets. He had 37 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, and a block in his debut as a Rocket, while Jeremy Lin had 12 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400277726|title=Rockets vs. Pistons - Box Score - October 31, 2012 - ESPN}} Harden also signed a 5-year contract extension with the Rockets worth approximately $80 million a few days after the trade was completed.[https://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--james-harden-gets--80m-extension-with-rockets-31181709.html James Harden gets $80M extension with Rockets] Harden scored a then career-high 45 points in his second game with the Rockets against the Atlanta Hawks. Jeremy Lin tied a career-high of 38 points in an overtime loss to the Spurs while Harden sat out with an ankle sprain.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/400278021|title = Spurs vs. Rockets - Box Score - December 10, 2012 - ESPN}} Harden was selected to the 2013 NBA All-Star Game, which was held in Houston.[https://www.si.com/nba/point-forward/2013/01/25/nba-all-star-reserves-announced James Harden, Kyrie Irving among six first-time All-Stars picked as reserves] On February 5, 2013, the Houston Rockets made 23 3-point field goals in a game against the Golden State Warriors, equaling the NBA team record. In this game, the Rockets also achieved a home game record for most points scored at the Toyota Center with a 140–109 victory.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400278438|title=Warriors vs. Rockets - Box Score - February 5, 2013 - ESPN}}

File:Harden Durant 2013 playoffs.jpg in the 2013 playoffs.]]

On February 20, 2013, the Rockets acquired Thomas Robinson, the fifth overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft, in a trade with the Sacramento Kings where Houston sent Marcus Morris and Patrick Patterson.[https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8968568/thomas-robinson-2012-no-5-overall-pick-dealt-sacramento-kings-houston-rockets Thomas Robinson dealt to Rockets] On that same night, the Rockets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-119 after trailing by 14 with 6:58 remaining in the game. James Harden scored a then career high of 46 points in the win over his former team.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278524|title = Thunder vs. Rockets - Game Recap - February 20, 2013 - ESPN}} Despite being the youngest team in the NBA, the Rockets became one of the highest scoring offenses in the NBA.[http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1501412-the-nbas-5-youngest-and-oldest-teams/page/6 The NBA's 5 Youngest and Oldest Teams] Even more remarkable was that only two players – starting forward Chandler Parsons and backup forward/center Greg Smith (who rarely played in his rookie season) – were left from the 2011–12 roster. Head coach Kevin McHale ran an up-tempo offense that put emphasis on transition baskets, shooting three-pointers, and playing at a fast pace. As a result, the Rockets became one of the highest scoring offenses in the NBA, leading the league in scoring for the majority of the season.[http://www.caller.com/sports/columnists/mark-travis/2012-13-houston-rockets-season-review-one-giant-st 2012–13 Houston Rockets season review: One giant step] In the post-season, the Rockets fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, losing the series 4–2.[http://www.nba.com/playoffs/2013/westseries1/ Thunder vs. Rockets] In the 2012–13 NBA season, James Harden evolved into a franchise player for the Rockets, averaging 25.9 points a game.

File:Dwight Howard Chandler Parsons.jpg

Eager to add another franchise player to their team, the Rockets heavily pursued free agent center Dwight Howard in the 2013 offseason. On July 5, 2013, Howard announced via his Twitter account that he intended to sign with the Houston Rockets after the July moratorium period ended.[https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/9453534/dwight-howard-says-sign-houston-rockets Dwight Howard to join Rockets] The NBA fined the Rockets $150,000 for talking about Howard during this moratorium period.{{cite news|title=NBA fines Rockets $150K for speaking about Dwight Howard|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rockets/2013/07/09/nba-fines-houston-rockets-150000-dollars/2504061/?dlvrit=206567|work=USA Today|access-date=9 July 2013|first1=Jeff|last1=Zillgitt|date=July 9, 2013}} Dwight Howard officially signed with the Rockets on July 13, 2013.[http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/howard-selects-houston-free-agency Howard Selects Houston in Free Agency] Led by the new inside-out combination of Howard and James Harden, and with a strong supporting cast including Chandler Parsons, Jeremy Lin, and Ömer Aşık, the Rockets were expected to jump into title contention in the upcoming season. However, in the post-season, the Rockets were defeated in the first round by the Portland Trail Blazers, losing the series 4–2.[http://www.nba.com/playoffs/2014/westseries4/ Rockets vs. Trail Blazers]

Following a season of ups-and-downs with injury and form, Jeremy Lin was traded to the Lakers on July 13, 2014.[http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/140713jeremylin Lakers Acquire Jeremy Lin and Draft Choices in Trade with Rockets] That same day, the Rockets declined to match the three-year, $46 million offer sheet that Chandler Parsons received from the Mavericks,{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/2014/news/07/13/parsons-to-mavericks.ap/index.html |title=Parsons headed to Mavs; Rockets not matching offer |website=NBA.com |access-date=2015-05-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111192710/http://www.nba.com/2014/news/07/13/parsons-to-mavericks.ap/index.html |archive-date=2015-01-11 |url-status=dead }} and to compensate for his departure, the Rockets agreed to bring back Trevor Ariza on a four-year, $32 million deal in free agency.[https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/07/12/trevor-ariza-houston-rockets/12576895/ Trevor Ariza to sign 4-year contract with Houston Rockets] The deal was officially completed as a three-team trade, in which the Rockets received Ariza in a sign and trade from the Washington Wizards and traded Ömer Aşık to the New Orleans Pelicans.[http://www.nba.com/rockets/rockets-land-ariza-three-team-deal Rockets Land Ariza & Valuable First Round Pick]

With double-digit wins against the Lakers, Utah, Boston and Philadelphia to start the 2014–15 NBA season, the Rockets recorded a 4–0 start for the first time since they won their first six games of the 1996–97 season.[http://www.nba.com/games/20141103/HOUPHI/gameinfo.html Harden scores 35, Rockets top 76ers 104-93] By recording double-digit wins against Miami and San Antonio in their next two games, the Rockets won each of their first six games by 10 points or more, and became the first team to accomplish the feat since the 1985–86 Denver Nuggets.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20141106/SASHOU/gameinfo.html |title=Rockets stop Spurs 98-81 as Howard nets 32 |website=NBA.com |access-date=2015-05-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128235420/http://www.nba.com/games/20141106/SASHOU/gameinfo.html |archive-date=2015-01-28 |url-status=dead }} In December, the Rockets acquired Corey Brewer[http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/rockets-acquire-veterans-corey-brewer-and-alexey-shved-three-team-trade-timberwolves-and-76ers Rockets Acquire Veterans Corey Brewer and Alexey Shved in Three-Team Trade with Timberwolves and 76ers] and Josh Smith,[http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/free-agent-josh-smith-joins-houston-rockets Free Agent Josh Smith Joins Houston Rockets] two veterans who added depth to the roster. While the Rockets had many key players miss time throughout the entire season, James Harden took it upon himself to keep the Rockets near the top of the conference, which turned him into an MVP front-runner. On March 20, 2015, Harden scored a career-high 50 points in a 118–108 victory over the Nuggets.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400579309|title = Nuggets vs. Rockets - Box Score - March 19, 2015 - ESPN}} Harden became the first Rocket to score 50 points since Hakeem Olajuwon scored 51 against the Celtics in 1996.[http://www.nba.com/games/20150319/DENHOU/gameinfo.html?ls=slt Harden's career-best 50 leads Rockets over Nuggets 118-108] On April 1, Harden scored 51 points in a 115–111 win over the Sacramento Kings, becoming the first player in franchise history to record multiple 50 point games in a season.{{Cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20150401/SACHOU/gameinfo.html |title=Harden's career-high 51 lead Rockets over Kings 115-111 |website=NBA.com |access-date=2015-05-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630070942/http://www.nba.com/games/20150401/SACHOU/gameinfo.html |archive-date=2015-06-30 |url-status=dead }} On April 15, 2015, the Rockets won their 56th game of the season and finished with the third-best regular season record in franchise history. On that same night, the Rockets claimed their first ever Southwest Division title and first Division crown since 1994.{{cite web |title=Rockets clinch Southwest Division with win over Jazz |website=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129103430/https://www.reuters.com/article/bkn-jazz-rockets-writethru-idUSMTZEB4GVS8FBY20150416 |archive-date=2022-11-29 |url-status=live |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/bkn-jazz-rockets-writethru-idUSMTZEB4GVS8FBY20150416}} In the playoffs, the Rockets beat the Mavericks 4–1 in the first round. In the Conference Semifinals, the Los Angeles Clippers built a 3–1 lead over the Rockets, before the Rockets won the last three games in the series to return to the Conference Finals for the first time in 18 years, this time against the Golden State Warriors.[https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2015/05/17/rockets-back-in-conference-finals-first-1st-time-since-97/27503719/ Rockets back in conference finals first 1st time since '97] With their win over the Clippers, the Rockets became just the ninth team in NBA history to win a playoff series in which they faced a 3–1 deficit.[https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/105657/rockets-win-game-7-to-complete-rare-comeback Rockets win Game 7 to complete rare comeback] In the Conference Finals, the Warriors won the first three games before Harden scored 45 points to win Game 4 at the Toyota Center. The Warriors then finished the series in Game 5, winning 4–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2015/05/28/warriors-beat-rockets-game-5-nba-finals-stephen-curry-cavaliers|title=Warriors return to NBA Finals with win over Rockets in Game 5 – NBA – SI.com|author=Phil Taylor|work=SI.com|access-date=June 30, 2015}}

Prior to the 2015–16 season, the Rockets acquired Ty Lawson from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Joey Dorsey, Nick Johnson, Kostas Papanikolaou, Pablo Prigioni, and a 2016 first round draft pick.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/rockets-acquire-ty-lawson-and-second-round-pick-denver|title=Rockets Acquire Ty Lawson and Second-Round Pick from Denver|work=NBA.com|date=July 20, 2015|access-date=July 20, 2015}} Expectations were high for the Rockets coming into the season. Lawson was supposed to take some of the ball-handling pressures off of Harden, and they were bringing back nearly the same team that made it to the Western Conference Finals the previous year. However, things did not go according to plan. Kevin McHale was fired at the beginning of the season after the Rockets only won 4 of their first 11 games. J. B. Bickerstaff, his assistant, took over the head coaching duties.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/rockets-relieve-kevin-mchale-head-coaching-duties|title=Rockets Relieve Kevin McHale of Head Coaching Duties|work=Houston Rockets|access-date=November 20, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2015/news/11/18/kevin-mchale-fired-by-houston-rockets-after-sluggish-start.ap/|title=Rockets fire coach McHale after sluggish 4-7 start|work=NBA|date=November 18, 2015|access-date=November 20, 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14160559/houston-rockets-fire-coach-kevin-mchale|title=Rockets fire coach Kevin McHale|work=ESPN|date=November 18, 2015|access-date=November 20, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25379460/report-houston-rockets-fire-head-coach-kevin-mchale-after-4-7-start|title=Rockets fire Kevin McHale; panic move for Houston? 5 things to know|work=CBS Sports|date=November 18, 2015|access-date=November 20, 2015}} The Rockets struggled to remain in the playoff contention throughout the season due to inconsistent play and injuries.{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2016/3/28/11313502/2016-nba-scores-rockets-pacers-mavericks-kings-playoffs-east-west-inconsistent|title=NBA scores 2016: The erratic Rockets are playing their way out of the playoffs|publisher=SB Nation|first=Liam|last=Boylan-Pett|date=March 28, 2016|access-date=March 30, 2015}} Lawson was waived mid-season in a buyout agreement.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/ty-lawson-buyout|title=Rockets Waive Ty Lawson|work=NBA.com|date=March 1, 2016|access-date=March 1, 2016}} Houston only clinched the eight seed in the 2016 playoffs by beating the Kings in the last game of the regular season. In the first round of the playoffs, the Rockets played the Warriors, who were coming off a record-breaking regular season. The Rockets once again lost to the Warriors in 5 games.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400829111|title=Rockets clinch playoff berth with 116-81 win over Kings|first=Kristie|last=Rieken|agency=Associated Press|date=April 13, 2016|access-date=April 13, 2016}}

After a disappointing season, the Rockets had to make some significant changes to their roster. Howard wasn't happy with his role and the team overall still lacked an identity. On June 1, 2016, the Rockets named Mike D'Antoni as their new head coach.{{cite news|title=Rockets Name Mike D'Antoni Head Coach|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/rockets-name-mike-dantoni-head-coach|work=NBA.com/rockets|date=May 26, 2016|access-date=June 1, 2016}} Howard opted out of the final year of his contract later in June,{{cite web|title=Source: Dwight Howard opts out despite Rockets' efforts to keep him|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/16402346/dwight-howard-houston-rockets-declines-player-option-become-free-agent|work=ESPN.com|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=October 28, 2016}} and signed with the Atlanta Hawks in July.{{cite web|title=Hawks Sign Eight-Time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard|url=http://www.nba.com/hawks/three-time-nba-defensive-player-of-the-year-returns-to-hometown|work=NBA.com|date=July 12, 2016|access-date=July 12, 2016}} With Howard gone, Harden was now the undisputed franchise player. Harden reaffirmed his commitment to the franchise when he signed a four-year, $118.1 million contract extension in July.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/rockets-sign-james-harden-four-year-contract-extension|title=Rockets Sign James Harden to Four-Year Contract Extension|work=NBA.com|date=July 9, 2016|access-date=July 9, 2016}} The Rockets also signed Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon,{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/rockets-sign-free-agents-ryan-anderson-and-eric-gordon|title=Rockets Sign Free Agents Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon|work=NBA.com/rockets|date=July 8, 2016|access-date=July 12, 2016}} two perimeter players who complemented Harden and fit D'Antoni's style of play.

When the 2016–17 season started, Harden was off to a great start and was widely considered a top MVP runner along with Kawhi Leonard, alongside former teammate Russell Westbrook.{{cite web |url= http://www.nba.com/article/2016/11/11/mvp-ladder-week-1-2016-17-russell-westbrook-leads-way-begin?collection=writer/archive/sekou-smith |title= Russell Westbrook stands out most as new MVP chase begins |author= Smith, Sekou |work= NBA.com |date= November 11, 2016 |access-date= June 1, 2017}} When the season ended, the Rockets were third in both the Western Conference and overall rankings, a major improvement from the season before. D'Antoni was named the NBA Coach of the Year, Eric Gordon the Sixth Man of the Year, and Harden finished second in MVP voting to Russell Westbrook. In the playoffs, the Rockets faced the sixth seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in a battle of the MVP frontrunners, as the winner was not announced until after the finals. The Rockets won the series 4–1 including Nene Hilario's perfect 12–12 in field goals in Game 4. But they went on to lose to the San Antonio Spurs in a six-game series, despite blowing out the Spurs in game 1 by 27 points. The Spurs tied the series 2–2 and held on to win game 5 as Manu Ginobili blocked James Harden's game tying three point attempt as time ran out, and went on to win game 6 by 39 points, as with Nene's injury, the Rockets could not guard LaMarcus Aldridge, who scored 34 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

On June 28, 2017, 8 time All-NBA player and 9 time All-Star Chris Paul was acquired in a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers, in exchange for Sam Dekker, Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, DeAndre Liggins, Darrun Hilliard, Kyle Wiltjer, Montrezl Harrell, cash considerations, and a top three protected 2018 first round draft pick.{{cite news|title='Weapons race': Rockets tout CP3-Harden pair|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19758509/la-clippers-trade-chris-paul-houston-rockets|date=June 28, 2017|work=ESPN.com|access-date=June 28, 2017}}{{cite web|last1=Rieken|first1=Kristie|title=LA Clippers trade Chris Paul to Houston Rockets|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2017/06/28/chris-paul-trade-houston-rockets-la-clippers-opt|date=June 28, 2017|website=NBA.com|access-date=June 28, 2017}} It was reported on 5 September 2017, that Houston restaurant billionaire Tilman Fertitta had reached an agreement with Rockets owner Leslie Alexander to purchase the team, pending league approval.{{cite web|url=http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Report-Local-billionaire-Tilman-Fertitta-set-to-12173412.php|title=Report: Billionaire Tilman Fertitta set to buy Houston Rockets|date=5 September 2017|publisher=chron.com|access-date=2017-09-05}} The $2.2 billion sale price breaks the record for the price to purchase an American professional sports team, breaking the $2 billion record jointly held by the sale prices of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012 and the Los Angeles Clippers in 2014.{{cite news|title=Teams like the Rockets rarely come available. That's why they're being sold for $2.2 billion |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2017/09/05/teams-like-the-rockets-rarely-come-available-thats-why-theyre-being-sold-for-2-2-billion/|date=September 5, 2017}} The sale was closed on October 5.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2017/10/10/tilman-fertitta-introduced-new-owner-houston-rockets|title=Tilman Fertitta introduced as the new owner of the Houston Rockets|first=Kristie|last=Rieken |website=NBA.com|agency=The Associated Press|date=October 10, 2017|access-date=May 29, 2018}}

The Rockets went on a 17-game winning streak, which was the second-longest winning streak in the team's history and pushed them to the top of the Western Conference.{{cite web|title=Houston Rockets' longest winning streaks|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2018/03/03/houston-rockets-longest-winning-streaks#/|website=NBA.com|access-date=March 9, 2018|date=March 4, 2018}} The streak started with a 113–102 victory over the Phoenix Suns on January 30, 2018, and ended on March 9 to the Eastern Conference-leading Toronto Raptors with a 108–105 loss.{{cite web|title=Raptors end Rockets win streak at 17 with impressive victory|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/raptors-end-rockets-win-streak-17-impressive-victory/|website=sportsnet.ca|access-date=March 9, 2018|location=Toronto|date=March 9, 2018}} The team finished the season with 65 wins, a record both league-leading and the best in franchise history.{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2017-18-season-milestones|title=NBA season of milestones: Notable moments mark 2017-18 campaign|work=NBA.com|date=April 12, 2018|access-date=May 28, 2018}} During the playoffs, Houston easily beat the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz before another confrontation with the Golden State Warriors.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/nba-playoffs-2018-rockets-vs-warriors-prediction-pick-preview-schedule-conference-finals/x4o55zsrlkjs197quo8vrrcef|title=Rockets vs. Warriors: Preview, predictions as Western Conference powerhouses collide|author=Deveney, Sean|publisher=Sporting News|date=May 14, 2018|access-date=May 28, 2018|archive-date=May 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531102625/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/nba-playoffs-2018-rockets-vs-warriors-prediction-pick-preview-schedule-conference-finals/x4o55zsrlkjs197quo8vrrcef|url-status=dead}} In game 5 of the Conference Finals, the Rockets took a 3–2 lead in the series, but saw Paul leave with an injured hamstring. His absence was felt in the two remaining games, where Houston led by halftime only to suffer a comeback by the Warriors.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401032767|title=Warriors reach 4th straight NBA Finals with win over Houston|work=ESPN.com|date=May 28, 2018|access-date=May 29, 2018}}

During the 2019 off-season, the Rockets sought out to once again retool the roster. As part of a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Rockets traded Chris Paul, two future first-round picks, and two future first-round pick swaps in exchange for James Harden's former Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook.{{Cite web|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-trade-Chris-Paul-acquire-Russell-Westbrook-14089859.php|title=Rockets trade Chris Paul to acquire Russell Westbrook|website=chron.com|access-date=July 11, 2019}} Nearing the trade deadline of the 2019–20 season, the Rockets were involved in a blockbuster, three-team trade which was centered around bringing Robert Covington back to the Rockets and sending centers Clint Capela and Nenê to the Atlanta Hawks.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28638121/sources-robert-covington-clint-capela-part-4-team-12-player-deal|title=Sources: Capela dealt in 4-team, 12-player trade|date=February 5, 2020|website=ESPN.com|language=en|access-date=March 1, 2020}} The trade was in an effort to fully invest on a small ball, 5-out offense.{{Cite web|url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-rockets-may-be-short-but-theyre-not-exactly-small/|title=The Rockets May Be Short, But They're Not Exactly Small|last=Dubin|first=Jared|date=March 4, 2020|website=FiveThirtyEight|language=en-US|access-date=March 4, 2020}} In their first 12 games since going 6'7" or shorter in their lineups, the Rockets went 10–2, being in the top percentile in win percentage, offensive rating, and point differential.{{Cite web|url=https://www.talkbasket.net/72824-interesting-stat-rockets-record-since-switching-to-small-ball|title=Interesting stat: Rockets record since switching to small-ball|website=talkbasket.net|date=March 2020|access-date=June 17, 2020}} In February, the month they made the trade, the MVP backcourt of Westbrook and Harden became the first teammates in NBA history to average 30+ points and 5+ assists per game.{{Cite web|url=https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/01/russell-westbrook-james-harden-finish-historic-month-in-style/|title=Russell Westbrook, James Harden finish historic month in style|website=usatoday.com|date=March 2020|access-date=June 17, 2020}}

During the off-season, Mike D'Antoni and Daryl Morey left the team. In December, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Washington Wizards for John Wall. Under new head coach Stephen Silas, James Harden reportedly arrived to training camp late. On January 14, 2021, it was the end of the James Harden era in Houston as he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team deal involving the Indiana Pacers. On March 2, 2021, the Rockets announced that they will retire Harden's No. 13 when he retires.

With Harden gone, the Rockets quickly fell apart. The best player they got back in the deal, Victor Oladipo, only played 20 games with the Rockets before getting traded to Miami. John Wall, coming back from injury, was one of the least efficient players in the league. Longtime Rocket P.J. Tucker asked for a trade and was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. Around that time, they lost 20 straight games from early February to mid March, one of the longest losing streaks in NBA history and the longest in Rockets history. After February 4, they won one road game for the rest of the season, against a equally-porous Minnesota Timberwolves team. They had to play a league-record 30 players. Things got so bad, after all star break, veteran role player Kelly Olynyk was often the #1 option for most of the remaining games as they struggled to suit up 8 or 9 player most nights. At the end of it all, they finished with a 17-55 record, the worst in the league, one year after making the playoffs. 2 players from the 2019-2020 team was on the Rockets end-of-season roster.

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