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I still remember the tension in the air during that 2018 Western Conference Finals like it was yesterday. As someone who's followed the NBA for over two decades, I've witnessed countless playoff battles, but this seven-game saga between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets stands out as something truly special. What made this series particularly compelling wasn't just the star power on display, but the chess match between two franchises that had built their teams specifically to counter each other.

The opening quarter ending at 16-16 told you everything about how this game would unfold. Both teams came out feeling each other out, with defensive intensity that you rarely see in today's offensive-minded NBA. I recall thinking how Houston's switch-everything defense was causing genuine problems for Golden State's motion offense. The Rockets had studied the Warriors' patterns meticulously, and it showed in those early possessions where every pass was contested, every shot challenged. What impressed me most was Houston's discipline - they weren't falling for Golden State's typical misdirection and backdoor cuts that had tormented so many other teams.

Then came that second quarter where Golden State erupted for 38 points while holding Houston to just 25. This is where the Warriors' championship DNA really shone through. I've always believed that great teams have this incredible ability to flip a switch when needed, and my goodness did Golden State demonstrate that. Their ball movement suddenly became crisper, their defensive rotations sharper. What many casual fans might not remember is how Kevin Durant took over during this stretch, scoring 12 of his 34 points in this quarter alone. The way he was knocking down those mid-range jumpers over smaller defenders was simply unstoppable - it felt like he could get to his spot whenever he wanted.

By halftime, with the score at 53-43 in Golden State's favor, you could sense the momentum shifting decisively. Having watched countless Warriors games, I've noticed they often use the third quarter to deliver knockout blows, and this game followed that pattern perfectly. Their 15-point third quarter advantage essentially put the game out of reach, though Houston kept fighting until the very end. What many people forget is that Chris Paul was sidelined with that hamstring injury, and I firmly believe his absence made the difference in this series. The Rockets were running on fumes, with James Harden having to carry an enormous offensive load while also dealing with Klay Thompson's elite perimeter defense.

The final score of 101-92 doesn't fully capture how dominant Golden State was in the second half. Looking back, this series represented the peak of the Warriors-Rockets rivalry that had been building for years. Houston had constructed their team specifically to counter Golden State's strengths, and they came incredibly close to pulling off the upset. Personally, I think this was the most challenging series the Warriors faced during their championship runs - tougher than any NBA Finals opponent during that era. The way both teams adjusted game to game, the strategic nuances, the individual brilliance - it was basketball at its absolute finest.

What stays with me years later is how this series exemplified modern NBA basketball at its best. The three-point shooting, the defensive schemes, the superstar performances - it had everything a basketball purist could want. While Golden State ultimately prevailed, both teams left everything on the court, creating memories that will live on in NBA history. As someone who's analyzed hundreds of playoff games, I can confidently say this series ranks among the most compelling conference finals I've ever witnessed.