Reed Sheppard Stats Tonight: How did Rockets rookie fare against Donovan Clingan and Trail Blazers? (Nov. 22)
Reed Sheppard and the Houston Rockets hosted his draft mate Donovan Clingan's Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. Sheppard's search for minutes continued as the rookie didn't get any significant playing time again. In the first half of the matchup, Sheppard played only five minutes.
The sharpshooter had one attempt from long range, which he made. Sheppard was a +/- +13 in the opening 24 minutes as the Rockets took a 65-45 lead entering halftime. He didn't have a rebound or an assist.
Jalen Green's 17-point burst boosted the Rockets' massive lead. Meanwhile, Dillon Brooks, Tari Eason and Alperen Sengun also scored in double digits.
With the game seemingly headed to a blowout result in the Rockets' favor, Sheppard saw extended playing time in the second half. He played 11 more minutes, finishing the night with 16 minutes of action.
Reed Sheppard scored only three points, though. He went 1-of-6, missing all of his five attempts in the second half, including two from 3-point range. However, he added two assists and three steals, ensuring he contributed in other areas.
He also had one of the game's best highlights late in the third quarter when he saved the ball from going out of bounds with an acrobatic effort and made a perfect behind-the-back pass to Tari Eason for a breakaway dunk. That play combined to give Sheppard a steal and an assist on the same possession.
NBA fans react to Reed Sheppard's outrageous behind-the-back pass
Reed Sheppard's production and lack of minutes have often overshadowed what he can bring to the table when given a stable and consistent role. That could have been the conversation again, but his impeccable save and pass last in the third stole the limelight on Friday.
Sheppard's impeccable play went viral and drew a bevy of reactions from NBA fans on X/Twitter.
"NY Giants should sign him," one fan wrote.
Another hailed it as one of the best this season:
"Reed Sheppard just threw one of the best passes of the NBA season. Full court Behind the back pass on the money!"
"Pass of the year! Possibly century!" another added.
Sheppard might be struggling with confidence after another subpar performance in his limited playing time. However, this play could be encouraging enough for the young Rockets guard to overshadow that.