Rockets' Reed Sheppard silences doubters in loss to Thunder

The Houston Rockets have always had doubters.

That doesn't make them special. It's true of any NBA franchise. Building an NBA team is difficult. Inevitably, someone will think you're doing it the wrong way.

Still, it does feel like the Rockets have been heavily scrutinized in recent years. The decision to trade James Harden for little else but draft capital was controversial. Tanking wasn't universally embraced. People have had questions, but the front office consistently answers them.

Most recently, questions have revolved around Reed Sheppard. Was this the right choice with the third overall pick? Sheppard has struggled to find consistent playing time with Ime Udoka throughout the 2024-25 season.

Against the Thunder on Monday, he showed the world why he was the right choice.

Sheppard shines in loss to Thunder

Granted, Sheppard's big night came in a loss.

That's inconsequential. Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason were missing in this one. The Rockets were mightily shorthanded, and the Thunder are arguably the best team in the NBA.

So, Sheppard's 25 points on 10/17 shooting from the field and 3/7 shooting from long-range felt particularly meaningful.

He also added 5 assists (albeit with 3 turnovers) and 2 steals. All told, it was a revelatory performance for the rookie.

Was it perfect?

Rockets need more defense from Sheppard

It's best to be objective if you're trying to evaluate. Sheppard didn't have a perfect game.

His primary assignment finished with 51 points. Granted, asking any rookie to contain Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a death wish. He's almost certainly the best guard in the NBA.

Still, Sheppard struggled. Gilgeous-Alexander targeted him whenever possible, and the results speak for themselves. This is likely the main reason why Sheppard's minutes have been so sporadic this year. Udoka is very defensive-minded, and Sheppard struggles in that area.

What does it all mean for the future?

Rockets need a better look at Sheppard

Give Sheppard this: he tries on the defensive end. He does not want to give up points. He has quick hands that he uses to disrupt passing lanes and ball-handlers.

He's just short.

Can the Rockets build a defense that minimizes his weakness? That remains to be seen. One thing is certain - Sheppard has tremendous upside. The Rockets need to give him opportunities wherever possible. He was the third overall pick in the 2024 draft for a reason:

No matter who questions it.