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NBA Playoff Power Rankings: The final countdown of the season

By Corey Rausch

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 12: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 12, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 12: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 12, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

169. . . Previous: 2nd. Houston Rockets. 8. team

Last Week: Lost to Lakers 117-109, Lost to Lakers 112-102, Lost to Lakers 110-100, Lost to Lakers 119-96

Things really went sideways to end the season for the Houston Rockets. Rather than joining in the chorus of people dancing on their graves, it should be noted the weird situation this was for the team all year. Sometimes, it is more logical to try to understand rather than bury.

While many looked at the match-up against the Los Angeles Lakers as something the guards could exploit, it was clear as soon as Game 2 started that the units that had been so solid defensively so far for Houston in the playoffs were not going to be able to contain either LeBron James or Anthony Davis.

The chemistry for this team has been in a weird place from the start of the season when Daryl Morey stood for social justice in Hong Kong and the entire NBA reacted negatively. Since then, Houston’s owner has been pretty clearly against him. This was additionally problematic given the contract situation for Mike D’Antoni and Tilman Fertitta not wanting to pay him what he thinks he is worth.

Changes are coming to Houston before long. The small ball experiment was a revolutionary ride that ultimately fell to the one juggernaut best suited to dismantle it. Chances are the next time the Houston Rockets take the court, things will look demonstrably different.