Rockets Lose Season Opener to Hornets

The Houston Rockets faced a disappointing start to the NBA season, losing 110-105 to the Charlotte Hornets despite building an 18-point lead in the first half. Alperen Sengun excelled with 25 points and 18 rebounds, while Jalen Green contributed 28 points, but the team faltered in the second half, scoring only 45 points. The Hornets, led by LaMelo Ball's 34 points, outscored the Rockets by 21 points in the final minutes, capitalizing on Houston's offensive struggles, including a dismal shooting percentage of 36.9%. This performance echoed last season's issues with consistency, prompting discussions on potential lineup changes by head coach Ime Udoka. The Rockets had another chance to bounce back against the San Antonio Spurs, whom they narrowly lost to 109-106 in a subsequent game, highlighting ongoing challenges in rebounding and shooting efficiency.