The Rockets defeated the dark horse! Sheppard scored 13 points and 4 steals, Ethan was 1 of 6 with bad luck, and Holiday’s value increased

Although Shepard's shortcomings were clearly written on the scouting report, and former Houston star Fagan also expressed concerns, Stone still made the decision to choose him. In Stone's view, the advantages of shooting and ball intelligence can make up for the lack of size and athletic ability, and Sheppard is the type of player that is currently scarce on this team. The Spurs were coveting Sheppard at the time, but Stone did not give the competitor a chance.

Uduka was frightened by Curry. Now the Houston Rockets have released a younger version of Curry. Uduka was in a very good mood. Before the game, he specifically praised Shepard: He brought us a spark, and I hope he can continue to do so.

Uduka also praised Durant's joining for improving the Rockets. Although Durant averages more than 35 minutes per game, he is playing very well now and has no plans to take a rest.

The Trail Blazers have accumulated a lot of talent just like the Rockets in the first stage of reconstruction. This team has a bright future. The Trail Blazers have created a lot of suspense for the NBA this season. Almost everyone they beat was 50-50. Head coach Split once served as an assistant coach with the Rockets, and he is familiar with Alperen Sengon's strengths and weaknesses.

In the end, the Rockets defeated the dark horse Trail Blazers, and the starting lineup ended early. Shepard lived up to Uduka's expectations. His offensive efficiency was not high but he had a strong sense of presence. He scored 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and 0 turnovers, and scored 3 three-pointers, with a plus-minus value of +17. Sheppard's position is becoming more and more stable now, and Uduka should design more tactics for him.

In contrast, Ethan, another strong substitute for the Rockets, scored 3 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists on 1-of-6 shooting. He was too hot-headed after failing to make a shot and left the game early due to injury. Entering the contract year, Ethan wants to put up good numbers, but he is not as aggressive as before on the defensive end. He has been playing hard and getting injured. He has bad luck and it is difficult to get a big contract.

Durant was full of energy and fired up in the first quarter, but the Rockets fell behind by 9 points. Uduka replaced Sheppard, and the results were immediate. Sheppard came up and sent a pass to Durant, who completed a dunk. Ethan assisted Smith and scored a three-pointer, and Durant tied the score with 2+1. The Rockets regained control of the situation, with Sheppard and Ethan throwing three-pointers one after another.

Trailing by 9 points, the Trail Blazers launched a counterattack in the second quarter. Holiday threw in a three-pointer and overtook the Rockets by 1 point to stop the Rockets. It was Durant who stepped up to score again, Shepard assisted Smith and hit a three-pointer, and Sengun also scored a three-pointer. The Trail Blazers were suppressed again, Okogie's tip-in finally broke the scoring drought, and the Rockets tied with the opponent in this quarter.

At the beginning of the second half, Sengon first threw in a three-pointer, and Smith Jr. counterattacked and dunked to stop the Blazers. Okogie also scored consecutively after the game, and the Rockets' lead was close to 20 points. The Trail Blazers did not give up and once narrowed the point difference to ten points, but the Rockets clearly had the advantage and they used their strength again to blow the score.

In the fourth quarter, it was Sheppard's turn to perform again. He broke through for a layup to stop the game. Then he received a pass from Sengun and scored a three-pointer. He also made a pull-up jumper and completed a steal. Uduka replaced Holiday Jr., who was also very active and scored 10 points and 1 assist.

Jrue Holiday scored 13 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals against the Rockets. His outstanding performance this season has increased his value, and the Blazers will not let him go easily without receiving a satisfactory offer.

Durant had 30 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, Sengun had 25 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks, Smith Jr. had 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, Amen had 19 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists, and Okogie had 11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 steals.