Reed Sheppard’s Stellar Night Overshadowed by Nuggets’ Late Comeback
The Houston Rockets entered their clash with the Denver Nuggets riding high, having won ten of their last eleven games. Fresh off a notable victory against one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, the Rockets stood strong at third in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Nuggets boasted the third-best record in the entire NBA, setting the stage for a thrilling matchup.
Anticipation for All-Star Showdown
As always, the spotlight was on the high-profile duel between two All-Stars: Nikola Jokic and Alperen Sengun. In the days leading up to the game, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka addressed the media, assuring fans that both Steven Adams and Jabari Smith would be available to play despite being listed as questionable. Udoka emphasized his commitment to the double big lineup, which has proven effective this season. He also highlighted the growing confidence of Reed Sheppard, whose improved three-point shooting has complemented his in-between game, making him a key player for Houston this season.
Struggles in the First Half
From the opening tip, the Rockets knew they needed to establish a quick tempo against a formidable opponent like the Nuggets. However, it was Denver that seized control early on. Houston started the game sluggishly, managing only eight points in the first six minutes and finishing the first quarter with a mere 12 points, trailing 25-12.
The second quarter mirrored the first as the Rockets continued to struggle offensively. Just when it seemed like the game might slip away, Reed Sheppard entered the fray. The second-year guard, who had been gaining momentum in recent games, ignited the Rockets’ offense with a flurry of 14 points off the bench. Sheppard’s hot shooting continued, as he drained two more three-pointers, finishing the half with 20 points. The Rockets outscored the Nuggets 37-21 in the second quarter, flipping the script and taking a lead into halftime.
Back-and-Forth Battle
The third quarter showcased a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging baskets. The intensity mounted as the game progressed, with neither side managing to pull away. In the fourth quarter, this trend continued; however, it was the Nuggets who made the crucial plays down the stretch. Despite the Rockets leading with five minutes remaining, Cam Johnson’s timely three-pointer swung momentum in Denver’s favor, and they never looked back.
Houston fought valiantly to close the gap, even narrowing the deficit to a single point. Yet, after a couple of free throws from the Nuggets, Alperen Sengun’s desperate heave at the buzzer fell short, sealing a tough loss for the Rockets.
Reflections After the Game
In the aftermath, Ime Udoka, along with Sheppard and Amen Thompson, addressed the media. Udoka reflected on the mistakes that plagued the Rockets on both ends of the floor, leading to turnovers and easy baskets for the Nuggets. He also acknowledged Sheppard’s impressive career-high scoring performance.
Amen Thompson found his rhythm in the second half, contributing significantly with 22 points, including eleven in the fourth quarter. When asked about Thompson’s resurgence, Udoka noted, “He was actually looking for his shot at times, not just driving in looking to pass.” This shift in Thompson’s approach was a bright spot for the Rockets, even as they faced their fourth defeat of the season.
The loss stung, but the resilience displayed by the Rockets, particularly from Sheppard and Thompson, offers a glimpse of potential as they navigate the challenging landscape of the NBA.
