1987 Western Conference Semifinals vs Nuggets
Where the Twin Towers met the Mile High offense in a battle for playoff supremacy.
The 1987 Western Conference Playoff series between the Houston Rockets and the Denver Nuggets stands as a defining clash of eras in NBA history. Occurring during Moses Malone's final years with Houston, this matchup pitted the Rockets' emerging 'Twin Towers' against the high-flying offense led by Alex English. While often remembered for its intensity, this specific playoff encounter served as a critical hurdle that solidified Houston's status as a rising Western Conference power.
- Season
- 1986-87
- Opponent
- Denver Nuggets
- Key Rockets Players
- Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, Ralph Sampson
- Key Nuggets Player
- Alex English
- Outcome
- Rockets Advanced
- Venue
- The Summit (Houston) / McNichols Arena (Denver)
- Era Context
- Transition from Malone dominance to Olajuwon's rise
Lore & Background
The rivalry highlighted the transition period within the Rockets franchise. While Malone was still the veteran anchor, Olajuwon's defensive prowess began to steal the spotlight, foreshadowing the dynasty that would follow a decade later. The Nuggets' high-scoring style tested Houston's ability to control tempo, forcing them to adapt their strategy beyond simple interior dominance. This series remains a touchstone for historians analyzing how Houston evolved from a talented roster into a championship contender.
In Their Own Story
The air inside McNichols Arena was thick with cigarette smoke and anticipation. The crowd roared as the Nuggets took possession, looking to extend their lead in overtime. Moses Malone wiped sweat from his brow, eyes locked on the rim. He knew this game would define whether Houston could truly challenge for the title. As Hakeem Olajuwon set a screen down low, the geometry of the court shifted. The whistle blew, and the roar of the Mile High crowd seemed to vibrate through the hardwood floor itself.
Reader's Guide
The series began with intense defensive exchanges in Houston, where the Rockets utilized their size advantage to control the paint early on. Denver responded by pushing the pace at home, utilizing Alex English's scoring ability to stretch Houston's defense and force foul trouble. Clutch moments emerged in the final minutes of key games, often decided by Malone's post moves or Olajuwon's defensive stops. The atmosphere was electric throughout, with fans on both sides recognizing the stakes of this Western Conference showdown. Ultimately, Houston's physicality and depth allowed them to advance, cementing their reputation as a team that could win under pressure.
Did You Know?
- This series occurred during Moses Malone's final season before leaving for Philadelphia in 1988.
- Hakeem Olajuwon was establishing himself as an elite defender during this specific playoff run.
- Houston would eventually meet the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals later that same postseason.