The Houston Rockets have been on a smooth ride recently, securing an impressive four consecutive victories. However, their momentum has faltered when facing strong opponents like the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Miami Heat. As a result, the Rockets have slipped to third place in the Western Conference, with the possibility of dropping further if they continue to lose.
The recent losses are not due to a lack of skill but rather a failure to capitalize on crucial moments. Coach Udoka's team is struggling to hold onto scoring opportunities when it matters most. Defensively, the team's performance has also dipped, particularly with the absence of Tari Eason, who has missed six consecutive games. Without their defensive powerhouse on the front line, the Rockets are finding it challenging to maintain their top-tier defensive displays.
Coach Udoka is also disappointed with some of the team's bench players. In the game against the Heat, he benched rookie shooter Shepherd, who had been a key part of the rotation for most of the season. In the previous match against the Timberwolves, Shepherd played only four minutes with minimal impact, and in this game, he was completely sidelined without a single second of playing time.
With Dillon Brooks returning to the lineup, the Rockets have reverted to their usual starting five. The bench has seen some changes, with veteran sharpshooter Aaron Holiday replacing Shepherd. Adams continues to play, while Armoni Brooks has returned to the bench due to Dillon's comeback. Forward scorer Whitmore has once again entered the rotation after performing well previously.
It's clear that Shepherd's playing time has been taken by Holiday and Whitmore, with Jalen Tate also present on the bench. Due to illness, Tate did not play in this game, leaving Shepherd with significant competition within the bench lineup. Based on Udoka's current usage of players, it seems that Shepherd is close to the fringes of the rotation. While he is not likely to be immediately benched or sidelined, the coach is reluctant to risk playing the young rookie given the team's recent losing streak.
Udoka is more inclined to give experienced veterans who can contribute to victories more opportunities. It's not that Udoka is being heartless; Shepherd has been part of the rotation for over twenty games, but his performance, especially in terms of scoring and shooting accuracy, has been disappointing, failing to live up to the value of the precious No. 3 pick used by the Rockets. Fortunately, at just 20 years old, Shepherd still has time. The Rockets will undoubtedly give him more chances over the next two years, so there's no need for him to rush. With hard work in training, he will eventually earn the trust of head coach Udoka.