James Harden and the Houston Rockets believed the addition of Russell Westbrook and their unorthodox small lineup would be what they needed to win their first title in 25 years. Instead, they suffered another early playoff exit and must find a coach after Mike D'Antoni told them he wouldn't return after he and management couldn't agree on a new contract. The Rockets beat Oklahoma City in seven games in the first round and won Game 1 against the Lakers before losing the next four games to be eliminated in the Western Conference semifinals for the second straight year.