In every season of the NBA’s 79-year history, there comes a special moment in which preparation meets opportunity for a young-and-comer who hadn’t yet received a chance to truly test the depths of his talent. The occasion for Reed Sheppard might’ve arrived against one of league history’s greatest defenses, but March 3, 2025’s box score confirmed that the Houston Rockets’ No. 3 pick wasn’t one to complain. Offering a glimpse into what would become a 14-point late-game eruption, Sheppard breathes life into Houston’s could-be comeback bid, pairing a teammate’s slip screen with decisive speed to escape Jalen Williams’ harassment. Finding the task no easier at the rim with 7-foot Isaiah Hartenstein next on the “obstacle course,” Sheppard survives, coolly extending into an underhand scoop layup through traffic. The Oklahoma City Thunder and their 51-point scoring superstar ultimately prevailed, but start No. 1 nevertheless became a first-of-its-kind for Sheppard, who ran off 25 points (on 10-of-17), two rebounds, five assists, two steals, one block, and three 3-pointers. · Mar 4, 2025