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The San Antonio Spurs thrashed the Golden State Warriors to begin the season. They have one of the seven best players in the NBA (at this point, there is almost no difference among Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, Chris Paul and Kevin Durant. There's LeBron James, then those six, then everyone else). They are an undeniably great team.
And the Rockets just beat them on their home floor at the end of a five-game road trip. It was a great win. A signature win. And now, they can back it up with another, this time in the comfort of home with two nights off. This is a huge opportunity.
And, I think the Rockets will seize on it. Sam Dekker having the best game of his career against the Spurs was a terrific sign. So was Nene's ability to abuse the Spurs' bigs who can't give him speed problems. Clint Capela played really poorly and the Rockets still won. Corey Brewer will start again, which, whatever, the Rockets are 2-0 when that happens.
This is a big one. I'm not 100 percent sure, but I don't believe the Rockets were three games over .500 at any point last season. The Rockets can lose and I'd still be fine with where they are right now, without Beverley or Donatas Motiejunas. But if they win, this season could start to feel full of possibilities.