The Houston Rockets flipped the script in a big way Tuesday night, storming back from a 16-point hole to take down the San Antonio Spurs, 111-106. It was a game that looked like it might slip away early, but the Rockets saved their best for last-outscoring the Spurs 29-14 in the fourth quarter and locking up a win that says a lot about this team’s resilience.
And while the Rockets’ roster is filled with big names and proven veterans, it was second-year guard Reed Sheppard who stole the spotlight when it mattered most.
Reed Sheppard’s Fourth-Quarter Takeover
Sheppard was electric down the stretch, pouring in 12 of his team-high 21 points in the final frame. He finished 8-of-17 from the field and 4-of-10 from deep, but it wasn’t just the numbers-it was the timing.
With just under five minutes to go, Sheppard drilled a contested three that gave Houston its first lead since the opening quarter. Moments later, he followed it up with a slick reverse layup high off the glass, reclaiming the lead once again and electrifying the home crowd.
This wasn’t just a hot streak-it was a statement. Sheppard played 29 minutes off the bench and posted a team-best +15 plus-minus.
He added four assists, two rebounds, a steal, a block, and-perhaps most impressively-zero turnovers. It was a poised, polished performance from a young guard who’s quickly becoming one of Houston’s most reliable weapons off the bench.
From Bench Role to Impact Player
Sheppard’s rise has been steady. After being selected third overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, he saw limited action in his rookie season-just 12.6 minutes per game across 52 appearances.
But this year, he’s carved out a much bigger role, and Tuesday night was the latest reminder of his growth. This marked his sixth 20-point game of the season, and while he came into the night averaging 12.8 points per game, performances like this are making that number feel like it’s due for a bump.
Interestingly, Sheppard is no stranger to coming off the bench. He played a similar role during his lone season at Kentucky under John Calipari. That experience seems to have prepared him well for the NBA grind-he knows how to stay ready and seize the moment when his number is called.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Sheppard was the story of the night, Houston got meaningful contributions across the board. Four starters hit double figures, led by Alperen Sengun, who flirted with a triple-double: 20 points (7-of-13 shooting), 13 rebounds, and nine assists. Sengun continues to be the engine of this Rockets offense, and his ability to facilitate from the post gives Houston a unique dimension.
Kevin Durant added 18 points on an efficient 7-of-12 shooting clip, along with seven assists. The two-time champ didn’t need to take over offensively, thanks to Sheppard’s late-game heroics, but his steady presence and playmaking were crucial in keeping the Rockets within striking distance.
Locking Down Wembanyama
On the other end, Houston’s defense deserves credit for making life difficult for Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs’ phenom was held to just 14 points on 5-of-21 shooting-a rare off night for the rising star. The Rockets threw a mix of physicality and discipline at Wembanyama, contesting his looks and refusing to let him find a rhythm.
That defensive effort proved pivotal, especially in the fourth quarter, where the Rockets clamped down and held San Antonio to just 14 points.
A Tale of Two Fourth Quarters
This game marked the second meeting between the Rockets and Spurs this season. Back in early November, San Antonio got the better of Houston, pulling away in the fourth quarter for a 121-110 win. This time, the Rockets flipped the narrative-turning a 10-point deficit entering the final 12 minutes into a gritty comeback win.
It’s the kind of win that can galvanize a young team. Houston didn’t just outscore the Spurs-they outworked them, out-executed them, and leaned on a rising young guard who looks more comfortable by the game.
Reed Sheppard may not be a household name just yet, but if he keeps delivering like this in crunch time, it won’t be long before he is.