Introduction
Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Timeline have developed one of the most compelling rivals of NBA in recent years. Playoffs battle, superstar matchup and fuel by shifting team Dynamics, this schedule explains how their head-to-two history has developed-especially during 2010 and in the 2020s. From the rise of Stephen Curry to the talent of James Harden, there are iconic moments in this rivalry that shape the Western conference landscape.
Early Encounters – Before the Rivalry (Pre-2010)
Before his rivalry reached national prominence, there were occasional playoff meetings and regular-seasons in warriors and rockets. Major initial figures include:
- Hakim Olajuvon vs. Chris Mulin (1990s): In the early 90s, rockets were prominent, often shaking Warriors in playoffs or regular-segments.
- 2007 “V Biliv” Warriors: Although Golden State surprised the world by harassing Maverirs in the playoffs, they were not yet rival with rockets.
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2014–2015 – Rivalry Ignites
Warriors Rise Under Steve Kerr
Under New Coach Steve Carr, Warriors along with Pace-And-Space Offex brought revolution in basketball, run by Stephen Curry, Kel Thompson and Drummond Green. 2014-15 Western Conference Final: Golden State defeated Houston 4–1 Harden took an average of 28.4 ppg, but Curry excluded with MVP-level performances. Warriors proceeded to win their first NBA title in 40 years.
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2017–2018 – The Peak of the Rivalry
2017–18 Regular Season
.Both teams were Western Conference Powerhouse, which claims star-stad rosters:
Warrior: Curry, Durant, Thompson, Green
Rocket: Harden, Chris Paul, Clint Capella
Houston finished season 65-17- Best Record in NBA.4519—the best record in the NBA.
2018 Western Conference Finals
This series is widely considered the climax of the rivalry.
- Series Result: Warriors defeated Rockets 4–3
- Key Highlights:
- Game 5: Rockets took a 3–2 series lead but lost Chris Paul to injury.
- Game 6: Klay Thompson exploded for 35 points to force Game 7.
- Game 7: Rockets famously missed 27 consecutive 3-pointers. Warriors capitalized and won.
Outcome: Warriors advanced and won the 2018 NBA Championship.
2018–2019 – Revenge Denied Again
2019 Western Conference Semifinals
- The rockets were determined to defeat the Warriors, now without the Durant for the last two matches.
- Series Results: Warriors beat rockets 4-2
- Game 6 (in Houston): Curry scored 33 points in the second half, despite the scoreless in the first half. Warriors closed the series.
- This ends the expectations of separating the Golden State during Houston effectivelyHarden era.
2020–2021 – A Shift in the Rivalry
O reconstruction:
- The Golden State faced injuries (Curry, Thompson) and missed the playoffs in 2020.
- Houston Rockets traded Harden in 2021, indicating the end of his competitive era.
During these years neither the team was at risk of a playoffs, and their rivalry became quite cold. these years, and their rivalry cooled significantly.
2022–2023 – Warriors Resurgence, Rockets Rebuild
- Warriors won the 2022 NBA Championship, proving they were still contenders.
- Houston focused on youth, featuring talents like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and later, Amen Thompson.
While Golden State returned to relevance, Houston remained in a rebuilding phase.
2023–2025 – New Era of Competition?
With both teams evolving:
- Houston Rockets under new coach Ime Udoka have become competitive again.
- Golden State balances aging stars with younger talent like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.
This sets up potential new chapters in the rivalry, possibly with playoff implications once more.
Head-to-Head Stats (As of 2025)
Category | Warriors | Rockets |
---|---|---|
All-Time Wins | 130+ | 100+ |
Playoff Series Wins | 4 | 0 |
Most Memorable Moment | 2018 WCF Game 7 | 2018 Game 5 Win |
Top Scorer (Rivalry Era) | James Harden | Stephen Curry |
Key Players in the Rivalry
Golden State Warriors:
- Stephen Curry
- Kevin Durant
- Klay Thompson
- Draymond Green
Houston Rockets:
- James Harden
- Chris Paul
- Clint Capela
- Eric Gordon
Impact on NBA History
The Warriors-Rockets rivalry:
- Defined Western Conference dominance in the late 2010s.
- Highlighted contrasting styles: Rockets’ isolation-heavy offense vs. Warriors’ motion offense.
- Influenced front-office strategies league-wide—especially the emphasis on three-point shooting and analytics.
FAQs
Q1: How many times have the Warriors and Rockets met in the playoffs?
A: They have met five times in the playoffs since 2015, with Golden State winning all series.
Q2: What was the most memorable game between the two?
A: Game 7 of the 2018 Western Conference Finals, when the Rockets missed 27 straight threes and the Warriors advanced.
Q3: Who is the all-time top scorer in the rivalry?
A: James Harden, with consistent 30+ PPG performances across multiple playoff series.
Q4: When did the rivalry start to cool down?
A: Around 2020–2021, when Harden was traded and both teams entered transitional phases.
Q5: Could this rivalry be reignited?
A: Yes. With the Rockets’ young core maturing and the Warriors still competitive, a playoff matchup could revive the fierce competition.
Conclusion
The Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Timeline rivalry is kept in modern NBA history. While a lull has been seen in the recent season, the foundation of the previous playoff fight and the dramatic finish ensures that the rivalry will remain unforgettable – and can write new chapters in further seasons so far.