Reed Sheppard is proof that even major absences can have a silver lining for Rockets

As the Houston Rockets prevailed over the Golden State Warriors in their final matchup of NBA Cup play, the absence of both Kevin Durant and Steven Adams did not bode well for the team given how helpful those two players would have been in exploiting their opponents' weaknesses.

Yet, young guard Reed Sheppard stole the show, scoring a career-high 31 points and adding on nine rebounds and five assists to round off what was certainly the most dynamic performance of his short time in the NBA.

The Rockets, undoubtedly, need Sheppard to break out as a dependable offensive player this year, and him seizing opportunities like the one afforded to him against Golden State goes a long way toward him accomplishing that goal.

Reed Sheppard has shown an ability to seize the opportunities granted to him

When starting point guard Fred VanVleet went down for the season with an ACL injury, the biggest question presented to Houston was whether Sheppard was ready to step into a bigger role. Could he overcome his defensive limitations and his inconsistent 3-point shot to become a steady contributor for the team.

So far, he has proven his ability to do so. Through the Rockets' first 16 games, Sheppard is averaging 14.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 45.5% from beyond the arc, taking on significant minutes at point guard and seemingly taking strides with each consecutive game he plays in.

With Durant out for two games tending to a personal matter, Sheppard got his first chances to start this season. While, against the Phoenix Suns, his performance was sub-par, he flashed some of the confidence he's gained this season against Golden State, pulling up from seemingly anywhere on the court and getting his shots not only at the perimeter but also in the mid-range and at the rim.

The Rockets desperately need another offensive contributor, and, therefore, Sheppard is vital to any championship hopes they may have this season.

Getting him opportunities, whether intentionally or as a result of absences like Durant and Adams's will be vital not only to his development as a player but also to Houston's ability to determine whether or not they can trust Sheppard in the biggest moments of games.

Against the Warriors, Sheppard led the team both in scoring for the whole game and in scoring in the fourth quarter, and this represents a major silver lining as the Rockets prepare for the return of two of their most important players.