Reed Sheppard Shines as Rockets Dominate Celtics

HOUSTON, Texas — Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard showcased his talent in a dominant win over the Boston Celtics, finishing with 12 points and three assists while committing no turnovers. The victory marked another high point in the Rockets’ recent upswing, improving their record to 3-2.

Despite a shaky start to the season, Sheppard has become a crucial player for the Rockets, especially in the absence of veteran Fred VanVleet, who is sidelined with a knee injury. After struggling early on, Sheppard flourished in the team’s fast-paced offense against the Celtics, hitting 4 of 5 three-point attempts.

Head Coach Ime Udoka praised Sheppard’s performance, highlighting his ability to blend into the Rockets’ system. “He didn’t try to do too much. He got us into our offense and made the right plays,” Udoka said after the game.

In the offseason, Sheppard was identified as a key piece for the Rockets, known for his sharpshooting capabilities. During his time at the University of Kentucky, he led the nation with a stunning 52.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc. The Rockets acquired him in hopes of revitalizing their offense, which has shown signs of life lately.

Prior to the Celtics’ match, Sheppard had faced pressure to perform, especially after being assigned secondary ball-handling responsibilities. His early hesitation to shoot had raised eyebrows, but he seems to have found his rhythm recently, contributing significantly in recent outings.

In previous games, the Rockets focused on building their offense around their new star, Kevin Durant, while Sheppard learned to adapt his game. His improvement off the ball has been a game-changer for the Rockets, complementing playmakers like Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson.

As the Rockets aim for a playoff spot, continuing to develop Sheppard’s skills will be vital. Their next challenge comes quickly, with a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on the horizon. If Sheppard maintains his shooting form, the Rockets could extend their winning streak and build on their momentum.