21+3 season high, Sheppard is not just a shooter, defense does not hold him back, the Rockets do not need to trade the No. 1 position

Shepard has performed well in recent games, but Uduka has not made adjustments to the lineup. Okogie is still partnered with Amen Thompson. The Rockets are much stronger than the Wizards in terms of strength. This is a good opportunity to test the lineup. The problem of the No. 1 position cannot be solved in a few games. Sheppard's outbreak sample is relatively small and not very convincing. The Rockets are among the best in three-point shooting this season. Many players have shot phenomenal three-pointers, which has been the team's magic weapon for winning games recently.

Both the Rockets and Wizards had a hot outside touch at the beginning. They exchanged three-pointers. Durant made 2 of 5 in the start. After an explosive game, the problem of low offensive efficiency appeared again, but he quickly adjusted his touch. The Rockets' biggest change in recent games is to reduce the time the twin towers are in place to fully open up the space. The twin towers are only suitable for activation during certain specific time periods. Uduka also made adjustments to the rotation. Tate entered the regular lineup and came out in the second half of the first quarter. Finney Smith has been unable to return, and the Rockets cannot wait for him at the forward position.

The Rockets' current three-pointers ensure the number of shots and bring offensive efficiency. Shepard's performance is very reasonable. Although his outside touch is not as good as in the previous games, his passing and shot selection are more mature. The current situation of the Rockets is very suitable for training Sheppard and can give him enough fault tolerance. He failed to make a three-pointer in the second quarter. He used his speed to get past the defensive players and scored 2+1. He also broke through and scored for Ethan to hit a three-pointer. He played a core performance in several rounds.

There is no need to worry about the poor three-point shooting. Confrontation and ball handling options are what Sheppard needs to strengthen. After being replaced in the first quarter, Sheppard played for 11 consecutive minutes and scored 7 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. Judging from the shooting percentage, Shepard's 1-of-4 three-pointers did not take advantage of his own advantages, but his courage to break through the paint will help his growth. After VanVleet was injured, the Rockets expected him to not only be a shooter, but also to shoulder the responsibility of answering the No. 1 position.

After the Rockets took a big lead, their mentality relaxed a lot, which also led to the Wizards closing in on the score difference in the third quarter. Shepard hit a three-pointer to maintain a 22-point lead, but then the Wizards counterattacked and scored. At the critical moment, Shepard received a pass from his teammate and scored another 3 points. He is not only a shooter now, but also an excellent organizer and a big-hearted player. He will never show mercy when he has three-point opportunities. In the final quarter, it was his three-pointers, attacks on the basket, and big blocks that stabilized the point difference. He is better than the main player if he is not a starter.

Sheppard made 5 of 8 three-pointers in this game, scoring 21 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block to fill the data column, setting a season high in scoring. He not only fulfilled his shooting talent, but also improved in other aspects, not just as a shooter. He did not delay on the defensive end, and there was no lack of understanding of zone defense with his teammates. In a short period of time, Shepard will not be the main force. He will be a "fake substitute" on the bench. It is enough for him to be reused in the last quarter of every game. Sheppard's performance eliminates the need for the Rockets to consider trading the No. 1 position.