Reed Sheppard · Superheroes weren’t necessarily required for the Houston Rockets on November 22, 2024, given their grip on a 21-point lead in the third quarter’s final minute. Yet, upon seeing the possession-saving pass that Reed Sheppard let soar through the air against the Portland Trail Blazers, any could-be complaints were unlikely to be heard over the Toyota Center’s fired-up crowd. Compensating for his size disadvantage against Rayan Rupert through active hands, 2024’s No. 3 pick times up a swat, positioning himself to chase down a basketball bouncing precariously close to the sidelines out-of-bounds line. In what some have labeled the No. 1 assist of the NBA’s early-season marathon, Sheppard swings a full-court, behind-the-back pass towards the floor’s opposite side, finding a teammate perfectly in-stride for a rarely-seen hustle play and assist. Houston’s energy ensured victory in a home-and-home series against the Portland Trail Blazers, with Sheppard doing a bit of everything, tallying a three-point, two-assist, three-steal, two-block, one-triple contribution in 16 minutes. · State of Mint · State of Mint
