Kevin Durant’s words helped spark Reed Sheppard’s breakout with the Rockets. 31-point performance shows MIP potential and growing confidence.

Ime Udoka praises Rockets guard Reed Sheppard for his NBA Cup career-high and a breakout built on defense, toughness, and two-way growth.

The 2024 NBA Draft wasn’t seen as a loaded one, sandwiched between what many thought were two all-time classes. But many still expected No. 3 pick Reed Sheppard

The Rockets’ early success comes with warning signs that could impact their long-term championship hopes in 2025-26.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry limped away from the bench late in Golden State’s 104-100 loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night after bruising his right quadriceps. He will undergo an MRI exam on the injury to determine his status. The Warriors will have to regroup with the idea that Curry might be out for a stretch.

The key for the Rockets over these last two games has been defense. In a 114-92 win over the Phoenix Suns on Monday, Houston held its opponent to 41-35-68 shooting splits, while posting 49-42-88 splits of its own.

With 35.2 seconds remaining in regulation and the Warriors trailing by five points, Curry exited the ballgame and walked gingerly back to the locker room. Due in part to the injury, Curry finished with 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting with a season-high six turnovers.

The Houston Rockets head to Phoenix for a showdown against the Suns tonight on Peacock. This will be the first of four meetings between the two teams this season. Tip-off is at 9:30 PM ET, following the Cavaliers vs. Raptors game at 7:30 PM.

Houston has constantly been Golden State's playoff punching bag. The Rockets are looking for revenge after last season's series.