They’ve been competing. At this point it’s about getting over the hump .
Yea. Hou been competing since 2014 but nobody cares about moral victories anymore. Losing to the Lakers in 5 games is actually a downgrade from the last 2 years.
Next year, this same core will lose in 5 competitive games to one of the 3 California teams or Denver, which means they wouldn't make it out the first round barring major injury or seeding fukkery to the aforementioned.
Fertitta ain't gon blow it up bc even the mirage of being a fringe contender and making the playoffs might squeeze some extra ppl into seats if fans are allowed back in. It sucks but it is what it is.