With that, the other Western Conference matchup was officially set.
Houston Rockets VS Seattle SuperSonics.
This was another clash of titans, like Mars colliding with Earth.
That night, TNT's flagship basketball program, NBA Inside Stuff, saw its ratings explode.
The studio lights came on.
Three of the league's top commentators—Kevin Harlan, Marv Albert, and Bill Walton—sat around the iconic semicircular desk, engaging in an intensely heated, even confrontational discussion over this playoff matchup.
"Gentlemen, welcome to tonight's show." Kevin Harlan straightened his tie and opened the discussion.
"The Western Conference semifinals are set: the Rockets against the SuperSonics. On one side, the super Big Three of Barkley, Pippen, and Olajuwon. On the other, Gary Payton leading a track team."
"So, who advances to the Western Conference Finals?" Kevin Harlan turned to his two partners.
Bill Walton adjusted his glasses and, without hesitation, picked up the tactics board representing the Rockets.
"Without a doubt, I'm picking the Houston Rockets."
Bill Walton's voice was low and confident.
"On the playoff stage, roster depth and experience determine how far you can go. Just look at the Rockets' lineup—it's practically a textbook configuration."
"In the paint, they have Hakeem Olajuwon. He may no longer be the two-way monster he was in his prime, but his rim protection and low-post isolation game are still among the best in the league."
"At power forward, Charles Barkley is in astonishing form right now. Ever since he put on Li Fei Brand sneakers, it's like he's rediscovered the explosiveness he had ten years ago. His low-post gravity can create enormous space for the perimeter."
"And on the wing, they have Scottie Pippen. He's the best perimeter defender and point forward in this league, and he can organize the Rockets' offense with perfect order."
Bill Walton rapped the tactics