Houston Rockets' rising star Reed Sheppard is making waves in his second NBA season, showcasing a remarkable transformation from his rookie year. With Fred VanVleet sidelined, Sheppard has seized the moment, delivering standout performances, none more electrifying than his second-half heroics against the Magic.
The game seemed out of reach for the Rockets, trailing 76-57 late in the third quarter. A turnover by Sheppard led to a Paolo Banchero dunk, adding to the deficit.
But what followed was a spectacular turnaround, as Sheppard spearheaded a 21-0 run, contributing to 13 points through scoring and assists. His sharpshooting from beyond the arc was pivotal, convincing head coach Ime Udoka to let him finish the game.
Sheppard rewarded that trust by sinking clutch threes, sealing a memorable comeback victory.
In this defining game, Sheppard poured in 20 points off the bench, with 18 coming in the second half. He didn't attempt a single three-pointer in the first half, but in the latter stages, he nailed five, finishing 7-for-11 from the field.
This newfound confidence was missing during his rookie campaign but has been evident as he becomes a key part of the rotation. When the Rockets needed a decisive basket, it was the 21-year-old who stepped up, not the seasoned Kevin Durant.
Despite his impressive play, Sheppard's performance might not yet earn him a starting role. Coach Udoka has been clear about keeping Amen Thompson in the lineup, despite spacing challenges on offense. Thompson struggled against Orlando, posting a team-worst -15, and was benched with over eight minutes remaining to allow Sheppard to take control.
Sheppard’s shooting prowess is a natural fit for Houston's offensive scheme. If Udoka remains committed to Thompson as a starter, the logical move is to have Sheppard close out games.
His clutch performance against Orlando demonstrated his value on the court during critical moments. As Sheppard continues to deliver at this level, he undoubtedly deserves more opportunities to shine, particularly when the game is on the line.