Author: Mark Medina, USA TODAY

James Harden, Mike D’Antoni and the Rockets head into another uncertain offseason after another second-round playoff exit.

After two months inside the NBA bubble at Disney World, the daily interactions between coaches and players are starting to get a little weird.

With their Game 2 win, the Lakers showed they have the top talent and adaptability to handle the Rockets’ speed and positional versatility.

After losing a rout in the opener, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray combined for 53 points to lead the Nuggets over the Clippers 110-101 in Game 2.

The Rockets took down the Lakers in Game 1 by imposing their will with their star power, their position-less lineups and their tenacious defense.

After rolling to a 120-97 win over the Nuggets in Game 1, the Clippers are playing like what they appear to be on paper: Unstoppable.

James Harden might have struggled shooting the ball, but he came through with the biggest play in the Rockets’ Game 7 win over the Thunder.

Lakers and Clippers enter second-round playoff series with something their opponents will not get: multiple days off without a game. Will that help?

Kawhi Leonard’s calming influence was vital in recent days as the Clippers decided whether to resume the playoffs.