The Houston Rockets have recently defeated the Lakers and the Wizards, maintaining a winning streak and securing their second-place ranking in the Western Conference. Currently, the Thunder has a record of 30 wins and 6 losses, leading the second place in the West by 6 games. It will be difficult for the Rockets to catch up with the Grizzlies, who have a record of 24 wins and 13 losses, only half a game behind the Rockets. The Rockets and the Grizzlies have very close win-loss records and are in the same tier, with the fourth place in the West lagging behind them significantly.
The Rockets have also been dealing with some serious injuries recently, with Tari Eason and Jabari Smith, two key defensive players, out of action. Fortunately, head coach Ime Udoka has made proper arrangements, putting Amon Thompson into the starting lineup, which has proven to be very effective. Young players like Jalen Green, Sengun, Amon Thompson, and Whitmore have all been steadily breaking out. Jalen Green has averaged over 30 points in his last three games, with a shooting percentage of 49.2%.
Amon Thompson has averaged 21.5 points, 15.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 steals in his last two games, with a shooting percentage as high as 66.7%. Whitmore scored 17 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal in one game, and 18 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in another. These young Rockets players have been consistently performing well, striving hard in the games, giving their all, and working very hard to lead the team to victory. This resilient and passionate fighting spirit is now fully bursting forth. Young players should play like this, and everyone hopes to see the progress of young players.
The Rockets' new No. 3 pick has also recently shown a different side. New No. 3 pick Sheppard has played 30 NBA games with the Rockets, averaging only 11.6 minutes per game, with an average of only 3.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, with a shooting percentage of only 32.2% and a three-point percentage of only 27.9%. Many fans say that Sheppard cannot adapt to the NBA game rhythm, and his excellent shooting skills in college and summer leagues cannot be applied in the NBA court. Sheppard had a shooting percentage of 52% and a three-point percentage of 45.5% in college. Some fans also say that Sheppard plays poorly because he gets too few playing opportunities and too few shots, not touching the ball enough, naturally without a feel for the game.
Recently, the Rockets coaching staff arranged for Sheppard to play in the Development League for training. Unexpectedly, Sheppard made a big splash in his G League debut, going 17-for-33 for 49 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals, showing both offensive and defensive prowess, very sharp. Many fans say, it doesn't make sense, Sheppard, who averages only 3.3 points in the NBA, plays flawlessly in the Development League, with very stable shooting and very sharp scoring, and also outstanding defense and steals. With the intensity down, Sheppard's abilities naturally come into play, and Udoka was right after all.
In an interview, Udoka was asked by a reporter how he viewed Sheppard's performance in the G League. Udoka replied that Sheppard is not lacking in talent and ability; he lacks confidence. Adapting to the intensity of NBA games, what is most important is shooting confidence. He can practice more techniques in the Development League, build self-confidence, and let him play more games, which will be beneficial to his development. Once we encounter injuries and need more rotation helpers, he will naturally return to play. Many fans say that Udoka speaks incisively and hits the nail on the head. Sheppard's shooting in many games is too hesitant, lacking confidence, and the coaching staff hopes that he can find himself in the G League and regain his shooting confidence.
