The lone (and big) bright spot. Cuttino scored 17 of his 25 points in the first half and ended up knocking down 10-15 shots from the field. He was the lone Rocket who took more than 4 shots to hit 50% or better. He also added 7 boards, 5 assists and 3 steals. Without Cuttino, the Rocks get blown out. Steve Francis hit just 3-9 for 9 points and 6 assists, but Bryce Drew off the bench was 1-6 from the field for 2 points, 0 assists and a pair of turnovers. Awful. Walt Williams hit just 1-5 shots for 5 points, 4 turnovers and he fouled out in just 25 minutes of play. 27 turnovers for the Rockets -- and Charles Barkley had 8 of them.

The Florida Curse continues.

The Rockets, who haven't beaten the Heat or the Magic in several years, fell yet again to Orlando, this time on the Compaq Center floor 102-97.

The Rockets fall to 0-4 on the season, and are staring 0-6 square in the face with two matchups against the LA Lakers on deck.

Houston led by as much as 13 points late in the second quarter, but let virtually all of that lead slip away before halftime.

They can thank their 27 turnovers. At the half, the Rockets led 61-58 and were shooting 50%. They would score just 36 more points, and ended up shooting (for the game) 43%. The Magic would hit just 37% of their shots and the Rockets still lost.

Cuttino Mobley was the big bright spot, hitting 10-15 shots for 25 points, 7 boards, 5 assists and 3 steals. Charles Barkley had 18 points and 17 boards, but turned it over 8 times. Hakeem Olajuwon had a good game, adding 16 points, 8 boards, 6 steals and 3 blocks, but missed a key free throw with less than 15 seconds to go that would have tied the game at 98.

Bryce Drew, Steve Francis and Walt Williams all struggled mightily at times.

It's still early in the season, but this is a game the Rockets clearly, even at this stage, should have won.