Inside The Rockets

Rockets Legend James Harden Looks Back on Warriors Rivalry

James Harden and the Houston Rockets battled against the Golden State Warriors for years.

Jeremy Brener

May 6, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball as Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) defends during the third quarter in game four of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
May 6, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball as Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) defends during the third quarter in game four of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Throughout the middle of the 2010's, the Houston Rockets faced off against the dynasty of the era in the Golden State Warriors four times in a five-year span.

Leading the way for the Rockets during that era of the franchise's history was James Harden, who now plays for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Harden spoke with Clippers On SI insider Joey Linn, reminiscing about his rivalry with Stephen Curry and the Warriors.

“It happened fast," Harden said via Linn. "Just the prime of that Rockets situation going up against that dynasty was just like real… I had to really go up against a real dynasty. It’s special. I’m overly excited and proud of what he’s accomplished in his career. It’s one of those things and stories we can talk about when we get older and retire.”

While Harden had his best years while chasing the Warriors, including an MVP trophy in 2018, the Rockets were never able to beat their heated rival. There was always an injury or a shot that would fall Golden State's way that would crush Houston in one way or another.

However, while the Rockets were unsuccessful during that time, the Harden-era teams should continue to be celebrated in the franchise's storied history.

Harden and the Clippers are set to visit the Rockets at Toyota Center on Nov. 13.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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