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I still get chills thinking back to that incredible 2018 Western Conference Finals between the Warriors and Rockets. As someone who's analyzed basketball for over a decade, I've rarely seen a series with such dramatic momentum swings and strategic brilliance. What made this matchup particularly fascinating was how both teams approached the game differently - the Warriors' fluid motion offense versus Houston's isolation-heavy system built around James Harden and Chris Paul.

The opening quarter set the tone perfectly, ending in a 16-16 tie that felt like two heavyweight fighters cautiously feeling each other out. I remember watching those first twelve minutes thinking we were witnessing something special - both teams executing their defensive schemes to near perfection. The Rockets were determined to switch everything, while the Warriors seemed content to let Houston take contested mid-range shots, a calculated risk given Houston's preference for three-pointers and layups.

Then came the second quarter explosion where Golden State outscored Houston 38-25, and honestly, this was where Steve Kerr's coaching brilliance really shone through. The Warriors' bench unit, led by Shaun Livingston and David West, created significant separation while Curry and Durant rested. I've always believed championship teams win these non-superstar minutes, and this game proved it. The Rockets' offense became stagnant during this stretch, relying too heavily on isolation plays while the Warriors moved the ball with purpose and precision.

By halftime, Golden State had built a 53-43 lead, but what impressed me most was how they achieved it. Kevin Durant was spectacular, no question, but it was the collective defensive effort that stood out. Draymond Green's versatility allowed the Warriors to switch seamlessly, while Klay Thompson's perimeter defense limited Houston's three-point opportunities. The Rockets shot just 40% from the field in that first half, a statistic that ultimately told the story of the game.

The third quarter saw both teams trading blows, but Golden State maintained their ten-point advantage heading into the final period. This was classic Warriors basketball - weathering every Houston run with timely baskets and defensive stops. I particularly remember one sequence where Houston cut the lead to six, only for Stephen Curry to hit back-to-back three-pointers that essentially sealed the game. Those moments are why I consider Curry the greatest shooter in NBA history - when the pressure mounts, he delivers.

Watching the fourth quarter unfold, with Golden State closing out the 69-59 victory, I couldn't help but admire their championship DNA. They knew exactly when to push the tempo and when to slow things down, executing with a poise that only comes from multiple deep playoff runs. The Rockets fought valiantly, but without Chris Paul, who missed this crucial game with a hamstring injury, they simply lacked the firepower to overcome Golden State's balanced attack.

Looking back, this game exemplified why the 2018 Warriors were such a dominant force. Their ability to win in different ways - whether through offensive explosions or gritty defensive performances - made them nearly impossible to beat in a seven-game series. While Houston's system was revolutionary and effective throughout the season, facing the Warriors at their peak required perfection they couldn't quite achieve. This series, and particularly this Game 7, remains one of the most tactically fascinating matchups I've ever studied, a true clash of basketball philosophies where experience and versatility ultimately prevailed.