Reed Sheppard Shines as Rockets Eye Championship Aspirations

HOUSTON, Texas — Reed Sheppard is beginning to realize his potential as the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Houston Rockets guard has stepped up significantly as the team navigates through a season filled with high aspirations.

In a recent game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Sheppard faced a critical moment. He hesitated on open shots, opting instead to pass the ball to a teammate, causing frustration for Rockets head coach Ime Udoka. “Shoot the ball,” Udoka said to Sheppard, urging him to trust his shooting instincts.

“It’s natural when you go out there and just play loose,” Sheppard remarked after the team’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Nov. 7. His confidence appeared to be wavering, but in the past few weeks, his performance on the court has improved significantly.

Since that game against Memphis, Sheppard has averaged 15.7 points and three assists in 26.3 minutes, shooting an impressive 55.4 percent from the field and 51.3 percent from beyond the arc. He has become a reliable player as the Rockets have won 10 of their last 11 games.

As the 2025-26 season progresses, Sheppard has taken on a vital role on a Rockets team that lacks depth in the backcourt following Fred VanVleet’s season-ending ACL injury. Despite these challenges, Sheppard’s scoring and shooting skills have been a boon for the Rockets, allowing them to maintain their winning momentum.

“The real thing is the opportunity he’s getting, and he’s taking advantage of it,” Udoka said. “We needed him to take that step this year.” The coach has increasingly relied on Sheppard, who shoots 47.3 percent from three-point range and ranks second on the team in scoring.

Without VanVleet, Sheppard has emerged as a key player who can provide floor spacing and scoring ability. His effectiveness has become essential for the Rockets, especially while his teammates, like Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün, dominate in the paint.

Meanwhile, Sheppard’s defensive skills are also gaining attention. He ranks fifth in the NBA for deflections and is tied with Amen Thompson for most steals on the team. His defense has improved since the start of the season, allowing the Rockets to lean on him during tough matchups.

As the Rockets aim for a title this season, Sheppard is not just finding his groove, but also learning how to thrive under pressure. This experience will be invaluable come playoff time, giving his team confidence that he can deliver when it matters most.

“He’s building confidence every single day,” said Durant after a recent win. “Reed is a spark plug for us. Every time he comes into the game, he gives us that jolt of energy.” His teammates have recognized Sheppard’s growth, acknowledging how his contributions have shifted the dynamics on the court.

With Sheppard continuing to evolve and the Rockets aiming higher, the upcoming months will test his resilience as well as the team’s aspirations for an NBA championship. The future looks bright for Houston, with Sheppard being a significant part of the journey.