Reed Sheppard's girlfriend Brailey Dizney sends heartfelt message to Rockets rookie ahead of NBA debut
Houston Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard, the third pick in the 2024 NBA draft, suited up for his his regular-season debut on Wednesday night in a matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. The Rockets opened their season at home, and the rookie logged 16 minutes in his debut.
Ahead of his first game in the NBA, Sheppard's girlfriend, Brailey Dizney, showed off the rookie's pregame outfit with a heartfelt caption on her story. She showed the lottery pick rocking Carhart overalls and workboots.
"Sent him off to work," Dizney captioned her story.
Reed Sheppard and Brailey Dizney have been together since October 2020, when they were still in high school. Reed attended North Laurel in Kentucky, while Dizney attended the nearby South Laurel. They went public with their relationship in December 2021.
After high school, Sheppard spent one year at the University of Kentucky, earning All-SEC honors as a freshman before being picked third in the 2024 NBA draft. In his lone season with the Wildcats, he averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game.
Rockets lose in Reed Sheppard's debut
The Houston Rockets squandered an 18-point lead and lost in their season opener, with their rookie guard making his professional debut.
Reed Sheppard posted four points, three assists, two rebounds and a block in his first NBA regular-season game. He was 2-for-5 from the field, missing his lone attempt from beyond the arc.
The Hornets topped the Rockets 110-105 behind LaMelo Ball's 34 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds. The All-Star guard shot 10-for-20 and was 4-for-12 from 3-point range. He made all 10 attempts from the free-throw line.
Alperen Sengun led the way for the young Rockets team. In 34 minutes, Sengun finished with 25 points, an eye-popping 18 rebounds, five assists and four steals, along with a block. He shot 10-for-22, connecting on two of his three 3-pointers.