Reed Sheppard’s breakout game could be exactly what the Rockets need right now
Reed Sheppard finally got some extended run and went supernova for the Rockets.
Monday night may have been a turning point for the Houston Rockets, albeit in a tough loss 137-128 to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Rookie guard Reed Sheppard delivered a career-high 25 points in his first NBA start, a performance that could signal some relief for a team plagued by injuries. This game wasn’t just another notch in the loss column, it was like an audition for the Rockets’ young talent, and Sheppard came away looking magnificent.
Reed Sheppard shines in first career start
Stepping into the starting lineup for the first time, Reed Sheppard didn’t just show up, he showed out. Scoring 25 points on 10 of 17 from the field and 3 of 7 from beyond the arc, Sheppard proved the moment wasn’t too big for him. He also added five assists, two steals and a block displaying an all-around game that the Rockets desperately needed. Houston was missing nearly its entire regular starting lineup including Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun, so Sheppard’s performance was a much-needed jolt of energy.
Sheppard finished this game as the second-highest scorer behind Cam Whitmore’s 27 points. The Rockets’ starting lineup was a patchwork of rookies and reserves, with Jalen Green as the sole usual starter. Despite the uphill battle against a Thunder team led by the unstoppable Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who dropped 51 points), Sheppard helped keep Houston competitive for much of the game.
Let’s not gloss over the fact that the Rockets were facing a brutal situation. Injuries to key players had gutted their rotation, forcing head coach Ime Udoka to rely on unproven talent. This was Sheppard’s shot, and he made it count.
OKC came in as one of the league’s hottest teams, and with Gilgeous-Alexander playing at an MVP level, the odds were stacked. Yet, Sheppard’s poise under pressure stood out. He attacked the rim, drained jumpers with confidence, and even held his own defensively. His two steals were vital in the Rockets hanging around longer than most probably thought they should.
Stat lines don’t always tell the whole story, but in Sheppard’s case, they scream potential. Shooting 58.8 percent from the field and 42.8 percent from three-point range in a high-stakes game as a rookie, in his first start is rare. Sheppard also logged 31 minutes, a testament to the trust Udoka has in him. And he didn’t just score, his five assists put the spotlight on his ability to be a playmaker and get his teammates involved.
Houston’s injury woes and emerging young talent
Houston has been decimated by injuries, with veterans and rising stars being sidelined. Fred VanVleet, Tari Eason, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Dillon Brooks all missed this game. While that’s a nightmare for consistency, it’s also a chance for the team’s younger players to show what they’re made of.
