Now, that was more like the Houston I expected. Thank you, Rockets, for giving us something.



Bottom line: when you put two future Hall of Famers together, especially two playmakers such as James Harden and Chris Paul, the ceiling on what’s possible rises. Those dudes are special.



Are the Rockets the most serious threat to the Warriors? That isn’t that hard to be at this point. So, yes, by default, I guess. Still, I’m not ready to be fully sold on Houston getting it together.



If it happens, it will be an entertaining series, for sure. So much explosiveness on both sides. But in the end, that was, at best, the Warriors’ “C” game — which is understandable at the end of a five-game road trip that began in the cold before flying south in the finale. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green all were sub-standard. And Houston still barely won, at home. My standard for these Warriors opponents has been, and still is:...