The 2018 Houston Rockets, led by James Harden and Chris Paul, came up short in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals despite having one of the best records in the NBA that season. Trevor Ariza, a key member of the team, reflected on the loss and suggested that external forces were at play, stating, 'The basketball gods wasn't feeling us.'
That series against the Golden State Warriors was marked by unusual misfortunes for Houston, including an improbable stretch where the team missed 27 consecutive three-point attempts. Injuries also played a role, with Chris Paul aggravating a hamstring issue late in the series, limiting his availability in crucial moments. These events contributed to a growing sentiment among players and fans that the Rockets' run was derailed by more than just bad luck.
Ariza's comments highlight the emotional toll of the loss, which many still regard as a missed opportunity for a championship-contending team. The idea of being 'cursed' has since become part of the narrative surrounding that Rockets squad.
Sources: https://www.theolympian.com/sports/nba/article316771076.html