On Saturday night, the Houston Rockets eked out a close win at home over Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks. It wasn’t the flashiest outing for second-year guard Reed Sheppard-he finished with just six points and went 0-for-4 from deep-but one quiet game doesn’t put out the fire he’s been on this season.
Sheppard has been one of the more intriguing breakout stories in the league this year. His blend of confidence, quick release, and feel for the game has earned him a growing fanbase in Houston. Some Rockets fans have even taken to calling him “Cocaine Curry”-a nickname that’s as bold as it is premature.
That nickname made its way to Klay Thompson, who knows a thing or two about elite shooters and, more importantly, about playing alongside the greatest one to ever do it. After the game, Thompson didn’t exactly co-sign the comparison.
“I think Reed is a great shooter,” Thompson said. “I don’t think anyone should ever be in the same sentence as Steph though. That’s crazy.”
Hard to argue with that. Stephen Curry has redefined what’s possible from beyond the arc, turning deep threes into layups and shattering every meaningful three-point record along the way. He’s not just a great shooter-he’s the blueprint.
That said, Sheppard’s growth as a perimeter threat this season is worth highlighting. He’s shooting 39% from three, and these aren’t just standstill catch-and-shoot looks.
A lot of his attempts are coming off movement, off the dribble, and in high-pressure situations. That kind of shot-making is rare, especially for a second-year guard who wasn’t expected to carry this much offensive weight.
And that’s the other part of this story. Sheppard’s increased role isn’t just a product of his development-it’s been a necessity.
With Fred VanVleet sidelined by a torn ACL before the season even began, the Rockets have had to lean on Sheppard more than they probably planned. He’s responded by stepping into a bigger spotlight, showing poise and confidence beyond his years.
Of course, the question now is whether Sheppard’s shooting can hold up when the lights get even brighter. The Rockets have playoff aspirations, but VanVleet’s absence looms large. If Sheppard can keep hitting shots at this clip when the postseason rolls around, he could be the X-factor that helps Houston make a real run.
Next up for the Rockets: a road matchup against the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. Another chance for Sheppard to keep building on what’s already been a breakout campaign.