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.”

Two nights ago, the Houston Rockets faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a true test of their legitimacy as contenders or this season’s biggest pretenders. Up against the Western Conference’s top team, head coach Ime Udoka had to find new scoring options with Amen Thompson, Fred VanVleet, and Alperen Şengün sidelined due to injury.

Houston will be without four of its usual starters Monday, meaning the club's second unit will have to step up. Over his last 10 outings, Sheppard has averaged 4.0 points across 11.8 minutes per game.