NBA Team Guide
Houston Rockets: History, Championships & Facts
The Rockets began in San Diego in 1967 and moved to Houston in 1971. Led by Hakeem Olajuwon, they won back-to-back NBA titles in 1994 and 1995.
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Updated live from ESPN.
Quick facts
| Founded | 1967, in San Diego |
|---|---|
| Moved to Houston | 1971 |
| Arena | Toyota Center, Houston (opened 2003) |
| NBA titles | 2 (1994, 1995) |
| NBA Finals appearances | 4 (1981, 1986, 1994, 1995) through the 2025–26 season |
Championship history
Houston won consecutive NBA titles in 1994 and 1995. It also reached the Finals in 1981 and 1986, losing both times to the Boston Celtics.
- 1994 NBA Finals: beat the New York Knicks 4–3
- 1995 NBA Finals: swept the Orlando Magic 4–0
- Also reached the NBA Finals in 1981 and 1986, losing 4–2 to the Boston Celtics each time
Franchise history
- 1967: Began play in San Diego as an expansion team.
- 1971: Moved to Houston after the team was sold to Texas Sports Investments.
- 1975: Moved into The Summit, later renamed Compaq Center.
- 1984: Added Hakeem Olajuwon, who played 17 seasons in Houston.
- 1994: Won the franchise's first NBA title, over the New York Knicks.
- 1995: Won a second straight title, sweeping the Orlando Magic.
- 2003: Opened Toyota Center.
Franchise record holders
| Points | Hakeem Olajuwon, 26,511 |
|---|---|
| Rebounds | Hakeem Olajuwon, 13,382 |
| Blocks | Hakeem Olajuwon, 3,740 |
Retired numbers
- 6Bill Russell (retired across the NBA)
- 11Yao Ming
- 22Clyde Drexler
- 23Calvin Murphy
- 24Moses Malone
- 34Hakeem Olajuwon
- 44Elvin Hayes
- 45Rudy Tomjanovich
- CDCarroll Dawson (honorary, longtime assistant coach and general manager)
Hall of Famers
Hakeem Olajuwon, Moses Malone, Calvin Murphy, Ralph Sampson, Yao Ming, Rudy Tomjanovich.
Biggest rivalries
- San Antonio Spurs: in-state Southwest Division rivals who met in the 1995 Western Conference finals, won by Houston 4–2.
- Golden State Warriors: four playoff series between 2015 and 2019, all won by Golden State.
- Dallas Mavericks: in-state Southwest Division rivals.
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How many NBA titles have the Rockets won?
Two through the 2025–26 season: 1994 and 1995.
Where did the Rockets play before Houston?
San Diego, from 1967 to 1971. The team moved to Houston in 1971.
Who is the Rockets' all-time leading scorer?
Hakeem Olajuwon, with 26,511 regular-season points. He also leads the franchise in rebounds and blocks.
Who did the Rockets beat in the NBA Finals?
The New York Knicks in 1994 (4–3) and the Orlando Magic in 1995 (4–0).
What does the retired "CD" banner mean?
It honors Carroll Dawson, who served the Rockets as an assistant coach and general manager.
Sources
Facts checked September 23, 2026. Live figures above come from ESPN.