Houston Rockets Drop Season Opener in Loss to Orlando Magic

Outside of opening the third quarter on a 16-7 run, the Houston Rockets struggled greatly inside the Amway Center.

Phase II of the rebuilding project did not get off to a good start for the Houston Rockets. Wednesday night, the Rockets dropped their season opener in a 116-86 loss to the Orlando Magic.

Outside of opening the third quarter on a 16-7 run, the Rockets struggled greatly inside the Amway Center.

Houston could not take care of the ball, which played a significant factor in its horrific performance. They committed 11 turnovers in the first half. And by the end of the night, the Rockets had recorded 19.

Despite their issues taking care of the ball, the Rockets still had a solid shooting performance. They shot 40.5 percent from the field while connecting on 35.3 percent from behind the arc.

The Rockets' most prominent issue came on the defensive end. They were out-rebounded 56-31 while giving up 54 points in the paint. 

Houston had a problem trying to contain Cole Anthony, as the second-generation point guard scored 20 points off the bench to go along with eight rebounds.

Dillon Brooks, Alperen Sengun, and Fred VanVleet scored 14 points, respectively. Sengun began the night shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the field for 13 points. He also added eight rebounds and six assists in the loss. 

Jalen Green had a rough outing to begin his third season. He scored 10 points on 2-of-10 shooting and four turnovers. 

Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) dunks the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Amway Center / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sport

Opening Night Blues:

By falling to the Magic, the Rockets dropped their fifth consecutive opening night game. A 122-121 road victory against the Golden State Warriors to open the 2017-18 season marked the Rockets' last opening night victory.

Up Next:

The Rockets will close their two-game road trip Friday night against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. They will then host their home opener Sunday night against the Warriors, which will mark the first of a seven-game homestand.

Tip-off between the Rockets and Spurs is slated for 7 p.m. CST inside the Frost Bank Center.