Convenience Big Store: Revisiting an iconic Rockets moment, 40 years later

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For Rockets fans of a certain age, one of the team's greatest moments happened 40 years ago today. Ralph Sampson's shot to eliminate the mighty Lakers in Game 5 of the 1986 Western Conference finals helped put the still-young franchise on the NBA map and proved to be the height of the Twin Towers era. Sampson and others who were in Los Angeles revisit that memorable night at The Forum.

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning’s headlines.

Greg Rajan, Weekend Sports Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Rockets / NBA

Ralph Sampson is mobbed by his Rockets teammates after his Game 5 buzzer-beating shot to beat the Lakers and send his team to the 1986 NBA Finals.

Photo by: Houston Chronicle File

40 years later, still unforgettable

Ralph Sampson's shot that eliminated the Lakers, one of the iconic moments in Rockets history, happened 40 years ago today. Sampson and others who were there that night reflect on that magic moment in franchise annals.

Thunder 122, Spurs 113: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander bounced back from a subpar series opener to score 30 points as Oklahoma City beat San Antonio to tie the Western Conference finals at 1-1. Read More

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros' Jeremy Peña walks back to the dugout after striking out in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Photo by: Abbie Parr, Associated Press

Offensive downturn

As Houston's pitching staff shows signs of stabilizing, the offense has gone south in May after a promising start to the season.

Twins 4, Astros 1: The Astros' struggling offense scored three runs or fewer for the 15th time in 19 games in May as Houston dropped its series finale in Minnesota. Read More
Hunter Brown: The right-hander threw a live batting practice for the first time since his injury, and game action in the minors appears close. Read More
Santa is coming: Alimber Santa, who has a 1.42 ERA at Triple-A Sugar Land, is set to join the Astros before their next series. Read More

Texans / MLB

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, right, gets a high-five from Texans owner Cal McNair following the team’s 20-16 win over the Los Angeles Chargers after an NFL football game in Inglewood, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Award-worthy clip

The Texans beat out some comedy giants to win a Shorty Award for its video featuring Cal McNair and C.J. Stroud's missed high-five. Here's how that video came together.

Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson watches practice leading up to the South Regional semifinals in NCAA college basketball tournament in Houston, Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

High-profile exhibition in the works

UH is in talks to play an exhibition against reigning national champion Michigan, a program the Cougars haven't faced in eight years.

College Football

Called home

A former Longhorns player and assistant coach, Blake Gideon is back after a year at Georgia Tech and ready to chase a title with longtime mentor Will Muschamp.

Shot from the GOAT: Tom Brady gave the commencement speech at Georgetown University and talked about one of his most legendary Super Bowl victories when, out of nowhere, he made fun of Texas Tech. Read More