Houston Rockets: Top Five Moments of '08-'09 Season

In a season few expected to contain the unprecedented levels of success it did, it seems fitting the review a year filled with nothing but gripping clashes, soap opera-style twists and turns, gut-wrenching despair and unrivaled joy and satisfaction, as the Houston Rocket's '08-'09 season came to a shuddering, yet expected, halt.

So let us reminisce and remember the pivotal, most gratifying, or perhaps downright joyous moments that sculpted and shaped an unforgettable, resilient season filled with hope and sorrow.

Let us once again walk down the path of trial and tribulation (see my article on the team's worst five moments) and soul-lifting ecstasy, as we review the Houston Rockets' top five moments of '08-'09 season.

5. Victory at Boston, 89-85

This moment captures a respectable fifth place for two crucial reasons.

Primarily, the victory re-established Houston's name among the leagues heavyweights. The Rockets were no longer a pushover—in fact they were a force to be reckoned with.

Armed with cinderfella Von Wafer, the ever-dominant Yao Ming, and a "never say die/what else could go wrong?" mentality, this squad proved its resilience once more in a shocking upset over the reigning world champions.

Secondly, the aforementioned wonder kid, Wafer, made a name for himself with yet another standout performance. As a makeshift shooting guard, he drained a game winning corner trey to topple the chiefly Celtics from their perch.

Houston was back in business.

4. LeBron silenced as Houston cripples Cleveland

Houston pulled off yet another stunning upset, dismantling a rattled Cleveland team as they left Toyota Center with a 93-74 victory, their 37th of the season

The soon-to-be MVP, Mr. James, was held to 21 points on an anemic 7-of-21 shooting performance, and Houston's renowned, airtight "D" prevented the young superstar from recording an assist for the first time in his whole career.

Yao posted yet another stellar performance racking up 28 points on 13-15 shooting, dominating his European counterpart, Ilgauskas, in every facet of the game.

As always the Rocket's bench was exemplary, Von Wafer led the charge with a fantastic 19 points.

3. Second-round series with L.A.

Am I crazy? Perhaps. But the bigger picture is always the best one.

Although Houston was eliminated in a gripping seven-game series, the fact they even had the chance to play seven games speaks volumes of this team's heart and resilience, and of course their fans.

In what was a preordained four game sweep, Houston silenced their season-long critics and left with a bang, as they stunned the Lakers on their home court and beat them by double digits, twice, at Toyota Center.

And yes, they were humiliated by 40 points in Game 5, but time and time again, they stunned Hollywood—and at times Houston—in what was one of the most memorable series in franchise history.

With nothing to lose, and no pressure, Houston earned more than a spot in the Conference Semifinals spot. They earned (long overdue) respect.

It was time this team made some noise, and they did, they never backed down, and showed that teamwork is a lot more valuable than talent.

2. 120-115 Double OT Victory over archrival Utah

Revenge never tasted so sweet.

Two consecutive first-round exits at the hands of the Jazz had given Houston all the motivation it needed.
This gripping clash was a signature victory in Houston's rich '08-'09 tapestry.

And although one regular-season victory does not by any means grant the satisfaction needed to recover from two playoff exits, it was another notch in Houston's belt, another load off their minds, and another score settled.

As always Yao, led his troops with 26 points, four blocks and 11 boards, but Ron Artest added much needed firepower of the bench with a game-high 28 points.

1. First-round series with Portland

This ones a no-brainer. The nerve wrecking, soul-crunching, high-octane, 12-year roller coaster finally came to a halt, but unfortunately Tracy McGrady couldn't share the riches and benefits of playoff success.

Rick Adelman, Yao Ming, Ron Artest, Luis Scola, Aaron Brooks, Shane Battier, and Carl Landry could, though, among others, as Houston returned home with a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and most importantly, pride.

But along the road to victory, brave men fall. This is a dedication to the one and only Dikembe Mutumbo, whose star-spangled 18-year career came to a shuddering halt in the playoffs. Deke, we salute you.