Reed Sheppard Stats Tonight: How did Rockets rookie fare against Ja Morant's Grizzlies? (Oct. 25)

Following a tough season-opening loss to the Charlotte Hornets, the Houston Rockets, featuring rookie sharpshooter Reed Sheppard, hosted Ja Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies on Friday in search of their first win.

The rookie, alongside his teammates, looked to bounce back as they took on the Grizzlies. After being down by six at halftime, the Rockets came roaring back, outscoring Memphis by 21 points in the third quarter. Houston maintained control from there, securing the 128-108 home victory.

Below are Reed Sheppard’s stats in his second NBA appearance.

PLAYER	MIN	PTS	REB	AST	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	OREB	DREB	STL	BLK	TO	PF	=+/-
Reed Sheppard	12:38	6	0	2	2	5	40.0	2	4	50.0	0	0	0.0	0	0	1	0	0	1	3

Sheppard had a modest outing, finishing with six points and two assists in 12 minutes. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 22 points, while Dillon Brooks added 18. Alperen Sengun (16 points, 15 rebounds) and Jabari Smith (14 points, 16 rebounds) each recorded double-doubles. Ja Morant posted a game-high 24 points for the Grizzlies.

The Rockets have bolstered their depth with Sheppard, the third pick in the 2024 NBA draft, who adds to their versatile guard lineup. However, they allowed an 18-point lead to slip away against LaMelo Ball and the Hornets in their opening game.

Sheppard saw 15 and a half minutes on the floor in his regular-season debut, finishing with four points and three assists on 2-for-5 shooting.

Reed Sheppard open to taking on small role in rookie season

Reed Sheppard, after spending one season at the University of Kentucky where he earned All-SEC honors, was selected as the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. In his freshman season with the Wildcats, Sheppard averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game.

During the Rockets’ media day earlier this month, Sheppard shared that he is eager to contribute in any way possible, regardless of his playing time.

“I’m just going to do whatever it takes to win. Whatever I need to do to help the team, whether it’s make 3s or sit over there and clap, and get water. I don’t care," he said (per RocketsWire).

"Whatever makes the team the best version of the team is what I’m looking to do.”

Rockets coach Ime Udoka has already named Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green as the starting backcourt, giving Sheppard a chance to shine off the bench. Houston’s bench also includes Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, Aaron Holiday and Tari Eason.