Rockets head coach Ime Udoka was pleased to see Reed Sheppard take advantage of his first start after setting a new career high in scoring on Monday.

I think you saw him, like right in front of your eyes, kind of get into a rhythm, become more aggressive, make the right play.”

The former Kentucky guard played like the version of himself that the Rockets hoped for when they drafted him third overall.

Rookie guard Reed Sheppard delivered a career-high 25 points in his first NBA start, a performance that could signal some relief for a team plagued by injuries. This game wasn’t just another notch in the loss column,