Daryl Morey says Rockets have “done everything but win the title”

At this point, the Rockets have accomplished everything outside of winning a NBA championship. That’s why Daryl Morey is optimistic about next season.

The Houston Rockets had an absolutely wonderful season last year. They won a franchise record 65 games, they had the best record in the NBA, they set a new record for 3-pointers made in a season, James Harden won MVP, and Chris Paul proved the doubters wrong by fitting in seamlessly with Mike D’Antoni‘s system.

But in the end, the Rockets fell to the team that has won the west for the last four years. Sure, Chris Paul‘s injury probably cost the Rockets the series, but they could have won Game 7 if it weren’t for an invisible lid that covered the rim on Houston’s 3-point shots.

Last season, the Rockets acquired P.J. Tucker, Luc Mbah a Moute and Chris Paul so that they would have enough defenders to keep Golden State’s offense in check. As a result, the Rockets gave the Kevin Durant led Warriors more trouble than any other team has over the last two seasons.

The Rockets were so close to the Finals they could taste it. A hint of the sweet flavor of success has convinced Daryl Morey that he should continue making roster decisions based on whether or not it helps the Rockets defeat Golden State, according to the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Feigen.

“Same as last year, it’s very likely to win the title we’re going to have to beat the Warriors at some point. We’re doing what we can to prepare for them. To me, that’s what any rational person would do. To me, that’s what any rational person would do. I’m intrigued by some thinking it’s odd that we say that. Maybe because it’s not a norm. Ask any fan, ‘Who do you have to beat to win the title?’ They’re going to say ‘the Warriors.’

The Warriors have proven over the last two seasons that they are the league’s best team. If Houston can execute well enough to eliminate Golden State, they’ll almost certainly beat any other team too. It’s that simple.

After such a successful season last year, Daryl Morey said that everyone from the players to the front office is focused on the singular goal of winning a NBA championship, via the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Feigen.

“Yeah. To me, it’s similar to our players, from one to 15, from the front office staff to the coaching staff, we have done everything but win the title. That’s what’s left.”

I can’t wait until next May.