Reed Sheppard proves point that Rockets knew from the beginning

The Houston Rockets lost to the Clippers on Wednesday.

They lost badly, a 134-117 drubbing. The Rockets didn't even keep this one competitive.

Who cares?

That wasn't the story of the game - not even close. The Rockets sat Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Jabari Smith Jr. Jalen Green played 15 minutes. The likes of N'Faly Dante, David Roddy and Nate Williams saw meaningful playing time.

In all that chaos, Reed Sheppard saw 37 minutes of action. That was the story of the game:

He was sensational.

Rockets rookie dazzles with extended minutes

Sheppard had 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. He shot 7/14 from the field and a scorching 6/10 shooting from long range.

That three-point efficiency is the biggest takeaway from his performance. There's been much handwringing about Sheppard's ability to get his shot off at the NBA level. He was a generational shooting prospect, but he's struggled mightily in the NBA. At times, it looked like his shooting wouldn't translate in the big leagues.

Last night, it translated just fine. More astute fans have had an intuitive sense that Sheppard needed more reps before he could be judged. Against the Clippers, it looked like he'd be in the Rookie of the Year race if he'd gotten the type of minutes that a third overall pick can typically expect.

He played with poise. Sheppard made good decisions with and without the ball all night. Even the most skeptical Rockets fans breathed a tremendous sigh of relief.

What does it mean moving forward?

Rockets' Reed Sheppard retains potential

It's unlikely to mean much heading into the 2024-25 postseason.

Sheppard only got on the floor because there were no stakes. The Rockets have secured the second seed. This game was meaningless in the scope of the 2024-25 season.

It's a more meaningful development in the larger picture. The Rockets saw plenty from Sheppard in this game. Fans of the team who are hoping to see him on the floor more frequently in 2025-26 should feel optimistic.

Sheppard can play. Any doubts about that were misplaced from the beginning. He's been put in a disadvantageous position. The Rockets are a 52-win squad. They haven't had time to develop rookies.

Next year, Sheppard will be a sophomore. His developmental trajectory is likely to remain gradual. The Rockets won't throw him into the starting lineup next year, but he may be the team's primary backup point guard.

That would mean getting on the floor when the games actually counted.