NBA: 3 Houston Rockets players who won the MVP award
The Houston Rockets is one of the most popular franchises in the NBA today. Led by their All-Star guard, James Harden, the Rockets are a force to reckon with and are one of the strongest teams in the NBA today.
The Houston Rockets have won two championships after being to the finals four times. Last season, they finished with the best record with the NBA and annihilated the league with their red-hot shooting over the entire season. However, their season came to an end when they lost to the Golden State Warriors in seven games. In this article, let us take a look at the players who won the MVP award wearing the Rockets jersey.
#1 Moses Malone - 2
MVP seasons with the Houston Rockets: (1978-79, 1981-82)
Moses Malone is one of the greatest players to ever play for the Rockets. He spent six seasons with the franchise and led them to five post-season appearances. The closest the Rockets ever came to winning it all during Moses Malone's time with the Rockets was during the 1980-81 season when they lost to the Celtics 2-4 in the finals.
The 12-time NBA All-Star won the MVP award thrice in his career and two of those have come during his time with the Rockets. He won the MVP award for the first time when he averaged 24.8 points, 17.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game over the 1978-79 season. The Rockets' season ended when they lost to the Hawks in the East First Round 0-2.
After averaging insane numbers of career-high 31.1 points, 14.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game during the 1981-82 season, he subsequently took home his second MVP trophy. However, the Rockets lost in West First Round to the Supersonics, 1-2.