On July 16, in the NBA Summer League, the Rockets lost to the Pistons 73-87, failing to secure their third consecutive win. In this game, third overall pick Shepard’s performance dipped compared to his previous two games, but it was still commendable overall. He played for 36 minutes and 26 seconds, shooting 6 for 17, going 0 for 2 from three-point range, and hitting all 3 of his free throws, finishing with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. He also recorded 3 steals, 4 turnovers, and 6 fouls, with a +/- rating of -14. As a rookie, such statistics are passable, considering the considerable impact back-to-back games can have on a player.
In the two previous games, Shepard had shot 9 for 17, making 4 out of 6 three-point attempts, and 1 of 2 free throws, scoring a team-high 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, as well as 1 steal and 3 blocks, helping the Rockets defeat the Lakers. Against the Wizards, he played for 32 minutes, shooting 9 for 15, making 1 of 5 three-pointers, and 3 of 4 free throws, scoring the second-highest 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists on the team, along with 5 steals and 1 block. Although he didn’t maintain the high level of performance from the previous two games, the Rockets’ loss wasn’t due to him; rather, it was White Magic’s icy shooting touch today that was to blame. Shepard still holds promise.
