<P> During the 2017 off - season , the Rockets were purchased by Houston restaurant billionaire Tilman Fertitta for $2.2 billion , breaking the record for the price to purchase an American professional sports team . The team also acquired 8 time All - NBA player and 9 time All - Star Chris Paul in a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers , in exchange for seven players , cash considerations , and a top three protected 2018 first round draft pick . Even if Paul missed many games due to a knee injury , he was a key addition to the Rockets . The team finished the season with 65 wins , a record both league - leading and the best in franchise history . During the playoffs , Houston easily beat the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz before another confrontation with the Golden State Warriors . In game 5 of the Conference Finals , the Rockets took a 3 -- 2 lead in the series , but saw Paul leave with an injured hamstring . His absence was felt in the two remaining games , where Houston led by halftime only to suffer a comeback by Golden State . </P>
who did the houston rockets play in the playoffs
Minnesota Timberwolves Utah Jazz Golden State Warriors