HOUSTON, TX – Second-year guard Reed Sheppard delivered a clutch performance, scoring 12 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, to propel the Houston Rockets to a 111-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. The win elevates Houston to fourth place in the Western Conference standings, just one game behind the second-seeded Spurs with a record of 26-15, according to ClutchFans.
Sheppard’s emergence as a key contributor this season has been a significant development for the Rockets. Drafted third overall in 2024 after a trade with the Brooklyn Nets in 2021 involving James Harden, Sheppard didn’t see extensive playing time as a rookie. However, an ACL tear suffered by Fred VanVleet during minicamp opened the door for a larger role in his second year. The Rockets envisioned Sheppard as a “microwave scorer” capable of providing instant offense and he has begun to deliver on that potential.
While known for his scoring ability – highlighted by a recent 30-point performance against the Golden State Warriors as seen in NBA highlights – Sheppard is also demonstrating legitimate point guard skills. Coach Ime Udoka has experimented with Sheppard in the point guard role, recognizing the team’s need for a player with that skillset, particularly with Amen Thompson primarily playing as a wing.
The Rockets’ victory over the Spurs was a hard-fought one, requiring a significant second-half turnaround. Houston held San Antonio to just 36 points in the second half, limiting them to 30.2% shooting from the field and a dismal 3-for-26 from beyond the arc. This defensive effort was crucial in overcoming a 16-point deficit, marking the Rockets’ largest comeback of the season. The Rockets finished the five-game homestand with a 4-1 record and are now 15-3 at Toyota Center this season.
Udoka has emphasized the importance of balance between offensive and defensive strategies when evaluating Sheppard’s value to the team. He spoke to SportsTalk 790 about the need to consider both aspects of the game when assessing player contributions.
The Rockets shot 51.8% from the field compared to the Spurs’ 39.0%. Houston has now won six consecutive home games against San Antonio and has evened the season series at 1-1, with two games remaining. The team’s shooting performance was particularly notable, as they have now shot 50.0% or better in 19 games this season, tying their highest total since the 2016-17 season.
Despite being outrebounded 45-43, the Rockets secured the win, improving their record in games where they are outrebounded to 2-4. The team also recorded nine blocks, continuing a trend of strong defensive play with 7+ blocks in 14 of their last 25 games.
Sheppard’s 17-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs, highlighted by several key shots, demonstrates his growing confidence and impact on the Rockets’ offense.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will aim to maintain their momentum as they continue their playoff push. The team’s success will likely hinge on Sheppard’s continued development and his ability to consistently contribute on both ends of the court. The Rockets’ next game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Central time at Toyota Center.
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