Rookie Reed Sheppard's First Double-Double
Houston rookie Reed Sheppard recorded his first career double-double with 19 points, 10 assists, and 6 steals in a 123-118 win over Washington. Alperen Sengun led the way with 32 points and 13 rebounds, while new Wizard Trae Young was ejected from the bench before even debuting.
The performance marked a significant step for Reed Sheppard, who was selected by Houston with the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He has taken on a larger role following a season-ending Achilles injury to starting point guard Fred VanVleet. Sheppard's stat line went beyond the basics, as his 10 assists and six steals were both career highs. He was a disruptive defensive force throughout his 42 minutes on the floor, finishing the game with a +10 plus-minus rating. Alperen Sengun's 32-point effort was his seventh game this season with 30 or more points. The Turkish center was particularly dominant in the second quarter, scoring 15 points and giving the Rockets a lead they would not relinquish. Trae Young's ejection came before he could even play a single minute for his new team. Acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in a January trade, Young had been sidelined with knee and quad injuries and was awaiting his Wizards debut. The victory was a crucial one for the Rockets, improving their season record to 38-22. The team currently sits third in a competitive Western Conference playoff race.
