Rockets encountered Xia Lian s goal-black opening, Shepard scored 28 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks, Whitmore is a pity

Shepard had long decided to play in this summer league. In an interview, he revealed that it is a very happy thing to be able to play on the court and he loves basketball.

After the end of last season, Rockets head coach Uduka publicly expressed his hope that Jaylen Green can increase physical confrontation this offseason. Uduka said: He needs to be stronger so that when he has the advantage in the breakthrough, he can better withstand physical confrontation, or he can complete the end when he gets a chance to break through and hit the basket.

I wonder if Jaylen Green understood Uduka's good intentions, Shepard listened to it. After the season, he devoted himself to training, practicing his strength, and improving his physical confrontation and defense.

Shepard obviously has more confidence when he has the ball, and he can enjoy the feeling of being the core in the summer league.

Rockets Summer United coach Jackson expects Shepard to participate in the event throughout the game and asks him to play aggressively. Rockets general manager Stone and head coach Uduka also sat on the sidelines to watch the game just like last year.

The Rockets' first opponent in the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League was the Clippers, and they eventually lost the game and were in a dark goal. Shepard scored 28 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 3 shots, 10 of 25 shots, 6 of 15 three-pointers, and 2 of 4 free throws.

was hit 0-8 after the game started, and Shepard hit a three-pointer to break the scoring drought for the Rockets. The Rockets once chased 11-12, but were pulled away by the Clippers again. Shepard made a breakthrough in the last moment of the first quarter, and the Rockets were 5 points behind.

Clippers led by 9 points in a wave of offensives. The Rockets replaced Shepard to strengthen the offense, which was effective. Shepard received a pass from Chandler to score a three-pointer, narrowing the gap to 6 points. After that, Shepard's steal and assisted his teammates to score 3+1, while the Rockets were still 2 points behind. The Rockets became more imposing, and Chandler tied the Clippers with a layup. The game came back and Shepard made a jump shot, and the Rockets overtook by 2 points. Unfortunately, the Rockets' offensive firepower failed to continue and was pulled away by the Clippers again, falling behind by 6 points in the first half.

After the start of the third quarter, the Clippers continued their offensive momentum and widened the gap to more than ten. The Rockets did not give up and kept trying to catch up with points. Shepard assisted Williams to score, and then scored a layup. The Clippers, who were only 4 points, called a timeout. After the game, the Rockets' offense had another problem and was hit with a double digit behind. Shepard found the touch and scored consecutively, scoring 28 points, but the Rockets were still 3 points behind.

The game started with some gunpowder after the fourth quarter, and the referee blew up several technical fouls. The Rockets kept trying to catch up, but eventually lost 3 points.

Shepard's offensive efficiency in this game is not high, but it is understandable that he will affect his feel when he practices his strength. For Rockets head coach Uduka, what he values is not the players' scoring, but defense and passing. In order to squeeze into the rotation lineup, Shepard naturally had to work hard to meet Uduka's requirements. Shepard showed that his defense has indeed improved in the game, which has also won the recognition of many Houston reporters.

Shepard and Whitmore had a tacit understanding, but unfortunately the latter was traded and left the Rockets. Uduka hopes that Whitmore can improve his defense and cooperate with his teammates more, but the latter has never been able to meet his requirements.

Whitmore has strong physical talent and scoring ability, but he cannot find a place in Uduka's system and can only be forced to leave. It is indeed a pity. Shepard understands the principles of survival of the fittest and has the opportunity to win a place for himself in the new season.