As expected, the Houston Rockets held out numerous rotation regulars in Thursday’s preseason finale at Atlanta. Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela were all unavailable as they rest up for next Tuesday’s challenging regular-season opener at Oklahoma City.
Yet, the absence of those veterans did open up more minutes and shot attempts for one player who should play versus the Thunder, and that’s second-year guard Reed Sheppard.
In an impressive 29 minutes versus the Hawks, Sheppard finished with 29 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 blocks, all while making 12-of-22 shots (54.5%) and 5-of-13 from 3-point range (38.5%).
Best of all, the 21-year-old Kentucky product — drafted at No. 3 overall in 2024 — put up those numbers in a winning context. Despite being undermanned versus an Atlanta squad playing most of its regulars, the Rockets went +11 in Sheppard’s minutes and went on to win the game, 133-115 (box score).
Highlights are available below.
From both teams, other statistics of note included:
- Josh Okogie (Rockets): 28 points, 3 blocks, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals; 8-of-15 shooting (54.3%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40.0%), 10-of-12 on free throws (83.3%)
- Isaiah Crawford (Rockets): 20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; 8-of-14 shooting (57.1%), 4-of-7 on 3-pointers (57.1%), +23 in 31 minutes
- Jeff Green (Rockets): 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; 4-of-11 on 3-pointers (36.4%)
- Aaron Holiday: 16 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds; 5-of-12 shooting (41.7%), 6-of-6 on free throws
- JD Davison: 14 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals; 5-of-11 shooting (45.5%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40.0%)
- Kristaps Porzingis (Hawks): 23 points, 13 rebounds, 4 turnovers; 8-of-14 shooting (57.1%), 6-of-8 on free throws (75.0%)
- Trae Young (Hawks): 12 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds, 4 turnovers; 4-of-14 shooting (28.6%), 2-of-6 on 3-pointers (33.3%); -18 in 28 minutes
- Zaccharie Risacher (Hawks): 24 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; 10-of-18 shooting (55.6%), 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%)
With Thursday’s win, the Rockets finished as one of only three undefeated teams (joining the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs) in preseason play.
Next up is transferring that success to the regular season, which begins versus the Thunder on Tuesday night. Tipoff is at 6:30 p.m. Central, and the game will be televised to a national audience on NBC.
With veteran guard Fred VanVleet sidelined by a serious knee injury, Sheppard is believed to be among the leading contenders for that vacated starting lineup spot. Thursday’s exhibition performance certainly didn’t hurt his chances.
#Rockets finish the preseason 4-0 after a 133-115 win at Atlanta
And what a night for Reed Sheppard!!!
🏀29 PTS🏀6 REB🏀6 AST🏀4 STL🏀3 BLK🏀He talked with @SportsVanessa after the @HoustonRockets WIN pic.twitter.com/hSeejQjLPH
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) October 17, 2025
Rockets coach Ime Udoka said the Rockets’ starting lineup might be fluid game to game to start the season, or at least until everyone is healthy.
— Danielle Lerner (@danielle_lerner) October 17, 2025
Reed Sheppard tonight vs. Atlanta.
29/6/6/7 STKS!! on 66 TS% pic.twitter.com/K10dOWtrne
— Rockets Clips (@Rockets_Clips) October 17, 2025
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Perfect preseason: Rockets win again as Reed Sheppard bests Trae Young
