The 1985-86 Houston Rockets season marked a pivotal chapter in the franchise’s history. With the dynamic duo of Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson, known as the “Twin Towers,” the Rockets finished the regular season with a 51-31 record, securing the second seed in the Western Conference. Olajuwon, in his second NBA season, was a dominant force, averaging 23.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game. Sampson complemented him well, adding 18.9 points and 11.1 rebounds per contest.
In the playoffs, the Rockets demonstrated their potential by defeating the Sacramento Kings in the first round. They then faced the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals, winning the series 4-2. The highlight of their season came in the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets stunned the defending champions, winning the series 4-1, highlighted by Sampson’s iconic buzzer-beater in Game 5, which propelled them to the NBA Finals for the second time in franchise history.
In the NBA Finals, the Rockets faced the Boston Celtics, a team stacked with Hall of Famers like Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish. Despite a valiant effort, the Rockets fell short, losing the series 4-2. The 1985-86 season remains memorable for the Rockets’ impressive playoff run and the promise shown by their young stars, setting the stage for future successes in Houston basketball.
- Regular Season Record: 51-31
- Playoff Result: Western Conference First Round: 3-0, Western Conference Semifinals: 4-2, Western Conference Finals: 4-1, NBA Finals: 2-4
Houston Rockets Roster and Stats for 1985-86 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Hakeem Olajuwon | 68 | 23.5 | 11.5 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 3.4 | 0.0 | 20 | 26.9 | 11.8 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 3.5 | 0.0 |
| Ralph Sampson | 79 | 18.9 | 11.1 | 3.6 | 1.3 | 1.6 | 13.3 | 20 | 20.0 | 10.8 | 4.0 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 100.0 |
| Lewis Lloyd | 82 | 16.9 | 4.0 | 3.7 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 23.1 | 20 | 14.1 | 3.3 | 4.3 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 40.0 |
| John Lucas | 65 | 15.5 | 2.2 | 8.8 | 1.2 | 0.1 | 30.8 | |||||||
| Robert Reid | 82 | 12.0 | 3.7 | 2.7 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 18.2 | 20 | 14.9 | 4.2 | 6.8 | 1.4 | 0.1 | 14.3 |
| Rodney McCray | 82 | 10.3 | 6.3 | 3.5 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 20 | 12.9 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.0 |
| Allen Leavell | 74 | 7.9 | 0.9 | 3.2 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 35.8 | 15 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 46.7 |
| Mitchell Wiggins | 78 | 6.8 | 2.0 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 9.1 | 20 | 9.9 | 3.8 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| Jim Petersen | 82 | 6.2 | 4.8 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 20 | 5.6 | 5.6 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| Steve Harris | 57 | 4.5 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 20.0 | 15 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| Hank McDowell | 22 | 3.0 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 13 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Craig Ehlo | 36 | 2.7 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 33.3 | 10 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Granville Waiters | 43 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 11 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.0 |
Houston Rockets in the 1986 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Sacramento Kings
In the first round of the 1986 NBA Playoffs, the Houston Rockets faced off against the Sacramento Kings. The Rockets, led by the imposing frontcourt duo of Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson, dominated the series, sweeping the Kings 3-0. This commanding performance set the tone for their deep playoff run, eventually leading them to the NBA Finals.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 17, 1986 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 107-87 | |
| Apr 19, 1986 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 111-103 | |
| Apr 22, 1986 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 113-98 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Denver Nuggets
In the 1986 NBA Playoffs, the Houston Rockets showcased their dominance in the second round by defeating the Denver Nuggets in a convincing five-game series. Fueled by the stellar performances of Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson, the Rockets leveraged their twin-tower strategy to outmatch Denver both offensively and defensively. This victory set the stage for Houston's deep playoff run, ultimately leading them to the NBA Finals.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 26, 1986 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 126-119 | |
| Apr 29, 1986 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 119-101 | |
| May 02, 1986 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 116-115 | |
| May 04, 1986 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 114-111 | |
| May 06, 1986 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 131-103 | |
| May 08, 1986 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 126-122 |
1986 Conference Championship vs. Los Angeles Lakers
In the 1986 NBA Playoffs, the Houston Rockets made a significant impact in the Western Conference Finals by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. Powered by the formidable u0022Twin Towersu0022 duo of Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson, the Rockets outplayed the Lakers with a combination of size and skill, culminating in a dramatic Game 5 victory on Sampson's buzzer-beater. This victory marked the Rockets' first trip to the NBA Finals since 1981 and showcased their potential as a dominant force in the league.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 10, 1986 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 119-107 | |
| May 13, 1986 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 112-102 | |
| May 16, 1986 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 117-109 | |
| May 18, 1986 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 105-95 | |
| May 21, 1986 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 114-112 |
1986 NBA Finals vs. Boston Celtics
In the 1986 NBA Finals, the Houston Rockets, led by the formidable frontcourt duo of Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson, faced off against the Boston Celtics. Despite their dynamic play and Olajuwon's standout performances, the Rockets were ultimately overpowered by the Celtics' seasoned roster, falling in six games. This series marked a pivotal moment for the Rockets, showcasing their potential and setting the stage for future success.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 26, 1986 | @ Boston Celtics | L 112-100 | |
| May 29, 1986 | @ Boston Celtics | L 117-95 | |
| Jun 01, 1986 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 106-104 | |
| Jun 03, 1986 | vs. Boston Celtics | L 106-103 | |
| Jun 05, 1986 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 111-96 | |
| Jun 08, 1986 | @ Boston Celtics | L 114-97 |
Houston Rockets 1985-86 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1985-86 season for the Houston Rockets.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 25, 1985 | @ Utah Jazz | W 112-108 | |
| Oct 26, 1985 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 130-129 | |
| Oct 29, 1985 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 111-99 | |
| Oct 31, 1985 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 122-116 | |
| Nov 02, 1985 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 111-98 | |
| Nov 05, 1985 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 127-113 | |
| Nov 07, 1985 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 137-115 | |
| Nov 09, 1985 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 115-110 | |
| Nov 12, 1985 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 127-119 | |
| Nov 14, 1985 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 112-107 | |
| Nov 16, 1985 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 122-117 | |
| Nov 19, 1985 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 127-113 | |
| Nov 20, 1985 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 126-97 | |
| Nov 22, 1985 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 122-103 | |
| Nov 24, 1985 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 125-118 | |
| Nov 26, 1985 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 130-108 | |
| Nov 27, 1985 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 137-130 | |
| Nov 29, 1985 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 126-110 | |
| Nov 30, 1985 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 131-114 | |
| Dec 03, 1985 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 118-112 | |
| Dec 06, 1985 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 120-112 | |
| Dec 07, 1985 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 116-104 | |
| Dec 10, 1985 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 134-105 | |
| Dec 12, 1985 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 123-120 | |
| Dec 14, 1985 | @ Utah Jazz | L 114-100 | |
| Dec 17, 1985 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 98-94 | |
| Dec 18, 1985 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 126-108 | |
| Dec 20, 1985 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 122-112 | |
| Dec 21, 1985 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 123-122 | |
| Dec 26, 1985 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 106-99 | |
| Dec 28, 1985 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 118-108 | |
| Dec 30, 1985 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 125-122 | |
| Jan 02, 1986 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 120-115 | |
| Jan 04, 1986 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 115-100 | |
| Jan 07, 1986 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 124-115 | |
| Jan 09, 1986 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 120-110 | |
| Jan 11, 1986 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 87-86 | |
| Jan 14, 1986 | vs. Utah Jazz | L 105-102 | |
| Jan 15, 1986 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 119-113 | |
| Jan 18, 1986 | vs. New York Knicks | W 104-95 | |
| Jan 19, 1986 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 131-96 | |
| Jan 21, 1986 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 100-96 | |
| Jan 23, 1986 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 124-107 | |
| Jan 25, 1986 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 117-112 | |
| Jan 28, 1986 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 116-109 | |
| Jan 30, 1986 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 111-109 | |
| Feb 01, 1986 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 132-122 | |
| Feb 03, 1986 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 104-102 | |
| Feb 06, 1986 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 117-95 | |
| Feb 11, 1986 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 113-100 | |
| Feb 13, 1986 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 119-115 | |
| Feb 15, 1986 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 108-101 | |
| Feb 17, 1986 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 116-110 | |
| Feb 18, 1986 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 115-105 | |
| Feb 20, 1986 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 120-113 | |
| Feb 21, 1986 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 111-104 | |
| Feb 24, 1986 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 110-105 | |
| Feb 25, 1986 | @ Utah Jazz | L 100-97 | |
| Feb 27, 1986 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 117-111 | |
| Mar 01, 1986 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 117-112 | |
| Mar 03, 1986 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 118-105 | |
| Mar 04, 1986 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 128-115 | |
| Mar 06, 1986 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 116-105 | |
| Mar 08, 1986 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 126-117 | |
| Mar 11, 1986 | vs. Boston Celtics | L 116-104 | |
| Mar 13, 1986 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 126-118 | |
| Mar 15, 1986 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 148-116 | |
| Mar 16, 1986 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 116-111 | |
| Mar 18, 1986 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 112-109 | |
| Mar 20, 1986 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 116-106 | |
| Mar 22, 1986 | @ New York Knicks | W 114-99 | |
| Mar 24, 1986 | @ Boston Celtics | L 114-107 | |
| Mar 26, 1986 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 110-101 | |
| Mar 28, 1986 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 116-107 | |
| Mar 29, 1986 | @ Washington Bullets | W 114-109 | |
| Apr 01, 1986 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 125-121 | |
| Apr 03, 1986 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 136-110 | |
| Apr 04, 1986 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 112-89 | |
| Apr 06, 1986 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 109-103 | |
| Apr 08, 1986 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 109-95 | |
| Apr 10, 1986 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 117-113 | |
| Apr 12, 1986 | vs. Phoenix Suns | L 110-92 |