Orlando Magic Triumphs Over Houston Rockets 116-86 in Season Opener

Cole Anthony's 20 points off the bench sparks Magic's decisive surge to victory; Jonathan Isaac makes notable return after long injury hiatus.

The Orlando Magic beat the Houston Rockets 116-86 in both teams' season opener with a significant contribution from Cole Anthony's 20 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Jonathan Isaac makes a notable return to Magic power forward, playing in 14 minutes, scoring 11 points, and creating a key moment at the end of the third quarter by blocking a shot from the Rockets' Jalen Green.
Rockets' Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, who both debuted for Houston, scored 14 points each, while their Center Alperen Senguin added 14 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
Rockets were tripped up by 18 turnovers, meanwhile, the Magic led rebounds 56-31, playing a role in the expansive victory for the latter.
The game was also the Rockets' debut for Coach Ime Udoka, previously leading the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals, who criticized the team's overall defensive performance.