I still remember the tension in the air during that unforgettable Game 7 of the 2018 Western Conference Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets. Having covered numerous playoff series throughout my career, I can confidently say this was one of the most strategically fascinating matchups I've ever witnessed. The way both teams adjusted quarter by quarter, possession by possession, created a chess match that basketball purists still discuss today.

The first quarter ended exactly 16-16, which perfectly captured the feeling of two heavyweight fighters cautiously feeling each other out in the opening rounds. Both teams were executing their defensive schemes to near perfection, with the Warriors' switching defense effectively neutralizing Houston's isolation plays while the Rockets' aggressive perimeter defense made every Warriors shot contested. What struck me most was how both teams seemed to be playing not to lose rather than to win during those initial twelve minutes. The intensity was palpable even through the television screen - you could see the physical and mental toll this series had taken on both squads.

Then came the second quarter where Golden State outscored Houston 38-25, a decisive period that ultimately shaped the game's outcome. I've always believed championship teams have that one quarter where they simply impose their will, and this was textbook Warriors basketball. Their ball movement suddenly became crisp, the defensive rotations sharper, and most importantly, their championship experience shone through when it mattered most. Kevin Durant took over with his mid-range mastery, while Stephen Curry began finding cracks in Houston's defense. The Rockets, meanwhile, started showing the effects of their shortened rotation - their shots began falling short, and the offensive execution that had been so precise in the first quarter started deteriorating.

By halftime, the Warriors led 53-43, and honestly, I felt the momentum had permanently shifted. Having watched countless playoff games, there's a certain feeling you get when a team finds its rhythm, and Golden State had that championship swagger back. The third quarter saw them maintain their advantage at 69-59, though Houston kept fighting desperately. What many people forget is that Chris Paul's absence due to injury fundamentally changed this series - I'm convinced that with a healthy CP3, we might be talking about a different outcome altogether. The Rockets' offense became predictable, relying too heavily on James Harden's isolation plays rather than the beautiful two-man game they'd displayed throughout the season.

The fourth quarter was a masterclass in closing out games from the Warriors. Their defensive intensity never wavered, and they made just enough offensive plays to keep Houston at arm's length. I particularly admired how Draymond Green quarterbacked the defense, communicating switches and providing help defense that disrupted Houston's rhythm. The final minutes felt inevitable - the Warriors' championship DNA versus the Rockets' growing desperation. When the buzzer sounded with Golden State advancing 101-92, it felt like witnessing basketball history. Looking back, this series represented the peak of the small-ball revolution and showcased how modern basketball had evolved. Both teams embraced three-point shooting and switching defenses in ways we hadn't seen before, setting trends that would influence the entire league in subsequent seasons.