The Houston Rockets made history in recent run of dominance

The Houston Rockets are one of the best teams in the NBA. It feels good to type that out. Let's do it again:

The Houston Rockets are one of the best teams in the NBA.

After years of suffering, they're enjoying the fruits of their labor. The Rockets made every effort to bring in as much young talent as possible. Now, the cavalry has arrived - and the Rockets are ready for war.

One of the best teams in the NBA. Still, throughout much of 2024-25, it's felt that there was a tier of teams ahead of Houston. As good as they've been, they're not on the same level as the Celtics, Cavaliers or Thunder, right?

Rockets rattle off string of signature wins

In their last contest, they beat the Celtics. Before that, they beat the Cavaliers - twice.

This was supposed to be a gauntlet for the Rockets. Fans were bracing for substantial slippage in the standings. Instead, the Rockets solidified their hold on the Western Conference's second seed.

Anybody would concede that this has been an impressive run. Beating the best teams in the NBA is always impressive, but this has been more than that:

It's been historic.

Rockets make history in recent run

Sure, you can apply caveats. Every season doesn't feature teams as strong as the Cavaliers and the Celtics. Moreover, the best teams in league history are virtually disqualified from setting this record - they could be in the group of teams to beat.

Still, this run has been undeniably historic. The Rockets have proven their mettle. They've been winning games all season, and they're only heating up.

Is it time to start planning the championship parade?

Rockets still have room to grow

There's a temptation to answer with an emphatic "yes".

It would be hyperbolic (and veering towards absurd) to call the Rockets championship favorites this year. The Celtics deserve that designation. It's typical for the incumbent champion to suffer some malaise in the next regular season. Boston should flip a switch in the postseason.

Meanwhile, the Thunder and Cavaliers still both hold better odds than the Rockets. That's fine. Here's the rub:

The Rockets weren't supposed to be here in the first place.

A playoff berth was a sufficient accomplishment for this team. Homecourt advantage did not feel realistic. To be even inserting the Rockets into the championship conversation feels wrong, but after this historic run, it's time to adjust our thinking.

One more time for the people in the back:

The Houston Rockets are one of the best teams in the NBA.