5 best games of the 2017-18 NBA season

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 07: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center on March 7, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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1. Rockets over Warriors, Jan. 20

When the Rockets beat the Warriors on opening night, it was meaningful but not as meaningful as when they beat them on Jan. 20. While the Rockets won by eight (116-108), it was closer than the margin makes it appear.

It was a one-point game with 3:01 left but then the Rockets closed out strong, preventing the Dubs from getting another point down the stretch — quite a performance by a defense that gets questioned for its postseason worthiness.

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Other games might be closer, but in terms of play by both teams and meaning, this one was huge. The Rockets sealed the No. 1 seed since then, but at the time, both squads played like the top spot — and the title — could ride on the outcome.

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