While the Houston Rockets first-round loss to the Golden State Warriors could be seen as disappointing, the franchise had a realistic view of it's contention chances. NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Houston did not view themselves as a true "championship threat" and that the team used the season to "evaluate" the roster.

Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) rebounds the ball between Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski, left, and forward Jimmy Butler III during the second half of Game 6 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Friday, May 2, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) AP

Sunday night brought an air of finality at Toyota Center and not just because the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors concluded their first-round playoff series. That was the micro. In the macro,