The Houston Rockets have won 2 NBA championships, both in the mid-1990s during the prime of Hakeem Olajuwon. Here’s a breakdown of their championship seasons:
Houston Rockets NBA Championships
🏆 1993-94 – Defeated the New York Knicks (4-3)
🏆 1994-95 – Defeated the Orlando Magic (4-0)
Championship Details
1993-94 – Hakeem Olajuwon’s MVP Season
- The Rockets finished the regular season 58-24.
- Led by Hakeem Olajuwon, Otis Thorpe, Kenny Smith, Robert Horry, and Vernon Maxwell.
- Hakeem won both the regular-season MVP and Finals MVP.
- Defeated the New York Knicks in a hard-fought 7-game series.
- Game 6: “The Block” – Olajuwon blocked John Starks’ potential game-winning three-pointer.
- In Game 7, Olajuwon dominated with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, securing Houston’s first title.
1994-95 – “Clutch City” & Back-to-Back Champions
- The Rockets had a 47-35 regular season record (6th seed in the West).
- Acquired Clyde Drexler midseason from Portland to help Hakeem.
- Defeated Shaquille O’Neal’s Orlando Magic in a 4-0 sweep in the Finals.
- Hakeem averaged 32.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, winning his second straight Finals MVP.
- First team to win the NBA title as a 6th seed.
Coach
- Rudy Tomjanovich led the Rockets to both championships.
- Famous quote: “Don’t ever underestimate the heart of a champion!”
These back-to-back titles solidified Hakeem Olajuwon as one of the greatest centers ever. The Rockets haven’t won another title since, despite strong teams featuring Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, and James Harden over the years.