The Challenge Intensifies for Rockets' Schedule to Kickstart 2025
The Rockets narrowly failed to end the week with a flawless record, falling to the Timberwolves on Friday. However, they bounced back by triumphing over the Toronto Raptors 114-110 on Sunday in Toronto. Success followed in Monday's match against the Charlotte Hornets, with the Rockets emerging victorious 114-101. Following a Christmas break, they defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 128-111. The scene changed on Friday, with Houston hosting the unpredictable and formidable Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center. Missing Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason, the Rockets built a formidable advantage in the second half, leading by as much as 12 points with three minutes left. The Timberwolves then unleashed a furious 10-0 run, whittling down the lead. A game-winning step-back 3-pointer from Anthony Edwards with 23 seconds left secured the victory for Minnesota.
As a result, the Rockets slipped to a 21-10 record, holding third place in the Western Conference, only slightly trailing the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies. The Dallas Mavericks, with a 20-12 record, occupy the fourth spot.
The upcoming week won't be easy for the Rockets. They face the intimidating Miami Heat, involved in trade speculation surrounding star forward Jimmy Butler, on Sunday at home. Despite their 15-14 record, the Heat continue to feature in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Mavericks, eager to avenge their earlier loss, visit Houston on New Year's Day. Subsequently, the Rockets will host the defending champion Boston Celtics.
Persistent Struggles for Sheppard
Despite his shooting troubles, Reed Sheppard has persisted with his defensive efforts, which may explain his continuous presence in head coach Ime Udoka's lineup. The highly touted rookie guard is now just converting 32.2% of his shots overall and just 27.9% from beyond the arc. In October, he managed a decent long-range shot percentage of 36.1%, but his numbers have plummeted to 15.4% in December.
Sheppard's shooting slump has not been the only issue, as he has shown timidity and uncertainty on the court, opting against open shots and lacking playmaking abilities.
Remember, Sheppard was the third overall pick out of Kentucky and was widely expected to clinch the Rookie of the Year award following an impressive Summer League showing. However, his unconvincing performance at the professional level has raised concerns, not just with his shooting accuracy, but also his confidence on the court.
If his struggles persist, it would not be surprising if the Rockets opt to move Sheppard to the G League for confidence-building purposes, as they did earlier in the season with Cam Whitmore.
Despite Reed Sheppard's lackluster performance on the court, his consistent defensive efforts have kept him in the Rockets' lineup. In the competitive world of professional sports and business, maintaining a strong defensive game can often be more valuable than individual offensive statistics.
As Sheppardlooks to turn his season around, the Rockets' business strategy could involve sending him to the G League for additional confidence-building opportunities, a strategy they employed with Cam Whitmore earlier in the season.
