The Rockets (7-3) routed Washington as second-year guard Reed Sheppard (21 points) finished with the second-highest scoring game of his NBA career.
HOUSTON — In the opener of a three-game homestand at Toyota Center, the Rockets (7-3) won for the seventh time in eight tries during Wednesday’s dominant 135-112 victory (box score) over the Washington Wizards (1-11).
Second-year guard Reed Sheppard continued his run of excellent form, finishing with 21 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals while making 8-of-11 shots (72.7%) and 5-of-8 from 3-point range (62.5%). It was the second-highest scoring game of his NBA career to date.
Over his first 58 career appearances, the Kentucky product — drafted at No. 3 overall in the 2024 first round — scored in double figures in consecutive games only once.
But during his last four outings, the 21-year-old has scored at least 12 points in each. Over that eight-day stretch, Sheppard is averaging 16.3 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.3 steals in 24.3 minutes per game while making 65.8% of his shots and 60.0% from 3-point range.
“It’s all confidence, and just going out and playing loose,” Sheppard said postgame. “Making the right play, not thinking too much.”
“Play loose, play free,” Sheppard said of his approach.
Reed Sheppard is now the youngest guard in NBA History to record 4 straight double digit scoring games with an 80.0 TS% or higher.
21 PTS | 91.8 TS% | 5/8 3PT
16 PTS | 80.0 TS% | 4/6 3PT
16 PTS | 80.0 TS% | 4/7 3PT
12 PTS | 85.7 TS% | 2/4 3PT https://t.co/yOYgZD7IMW pic.twitter.com/vMYRqiM49u
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) November 13, 2025
Alex Sarr, drafted one slot ahead of Sheppard in 2024, led the Wizards with 25 points (66.7% FG), 11 rebounds, and 4 assists. Washington has now lost 10 straight games.
In a balanced effort, other standouts for the Rockets included:
Kevin Durant: 23 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals; 7-of-16 shooting (43.8%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers, 7-of-8 on free throws (87.5%)Tari Eason: 20 points, 6 rebounds in 21 minutes; 7-of-12 shooting (58.3%), 4-of-6 on 3-pointers (66.7%)Amen Thompson: 18 points, 8 assists, 2 turnovers; 8-of-11 shooting (72.7%), 1-of-2 on 3-pointers (50.0%)Alperen Sengun: 16 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists; 6-of-13 shooting (46.2%), 2-of-3 on 3-pointers (66.7%)Jabari Smith Jr.: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists; 6-of-13 shooting (46.2%), 3-of-4 on free throws (75.0%)Steven Adams: 5 points, 8 rebounds (5 offensive), 4 assists, 2 blocks in 17 minutes
The Rockets entered Wednesday ranked second-to-last in the NBA in turnovers (17.6), but they committed only 12 in a much better effort against Washington. On the other extreme, Houston leads the league in rebounding and built on that with a dominant 62-46 margin over the Wizards.
Next up, in the middle game of the homestand, is Friday’s Emirates NBA Cup 2025 matchup versus Portland (5-5). Tipoff Tipoff of Rockets-Trail Blazers is at 7:00 p.m. Central, and the game will be televised regionally on Space City Home Network and nationally via NBA League Pass.