Chris Paul’s absence, poor shooting doom Rockets

HOUSTON — The Warriors.

Always the Warriors.

This special season began with Golden State already in mind.

This historic year — 65 wins, NBA’s No. 1 playoff seed, the best roster that Daryl Morey has constructed — ended with the Warriors in the NBA Finals for the fourth consecutive time and the Rockets falling short once again.

“Golden State has set the bar for the whole league, not just us,” head coach Mike D’Antoni said.

So darn close in 2018.

Chris Paul stuck on the bench in a season-ending Game 7?

So painful and cruel.