As James Harden looked ahead to the game and series that had he been so inclined he could have anticipated for at least the past six months, he was sure of two things.
The Golden State Warriors, NBA champions in two of the past three seasons and a minute away from three straight titles, would be a greater challenge than the Rockets have faced. And, Harden was as certain, the Rockets would be ready for it.
"Obviously, the Warriors, who have been here a few years in a row, they're a whole different beast," Harden said on Sunday, a day before the Rockets will host Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals in Toyota Center.