The Rockets defeated the Holy City! Uduka was a sinner, and Shepard did his best with 16 points and 6 assists.

Adams played a big role against the Rockets. This season, he averaged nearly 10 rebounds in less than 23 minutes per game. The 32-year-old Adams ranks first in the league with 5 offensive rebounds per game, beating out young potential centers such as Kessler, Duren and Klingen. Adams had some minor muscle problems before, and the opponent was not strong, so Uduka decided to give him a rest. Now facing a strong opponent, Adams came back to help Uduka, but it is not known whether his physical condition is 100%.

Although Di Long is not tall and has an average wingspan, he is good at defense. Although the Rockets no longer have Dillon, they still have Okogie. Okogie is shorter than Dillon, but he has an excellent wingspan, strong body, faster speed, and does not get over his head when playing. He quickly gained the favor of Uduka and successfully rose to the position. Compared with Dillon, whose average annual salary is more than 20 million US dollars, Okogie, who only earns a basic salary, is so good.

Why didn't you choose Castle in the first place? Many Rockets fans have raised such questions. Although many experts before the draft generally believed that Sheppard was more talented than Castle, judging from his rookie season, the latter's performance was obviously better. In this game, Shepard faces Castle, and he wants to prove that he is the stronger one.

The Rockets' winning streak was ended and they were defeated in the Holy City. Head coach Uduka became the team's sinner. After the game, Uduka's fan rating was the lowest, and many netizens complained. Some Spurs fans expressed their gratitude to Uduka, the mole. Uduka completely exposed his coaching shortcomings in this game. He lacked offensive tactics, was rigid in his employment, and had poor on-the-spot command.

Okogie had a strong presence at the beginning. He stole Wenban and counterattacked for a dunk. Then he received a pass from Sengun and scored a three-pointer. The Rockets once led by 6 points. However, Durant was in a sluggish state and the Spurs took the opportunity to overtake, but Uduka had no choice but to pause. Shepard quickly entered the state after coming up. He made a steady jump shot. Ethan counterattacked and dunked with a steal and then hit a three-pointer. The Rockets took the lead.

In the second quarter, Shepard assisted Amen and scored a three-pointer, and then made a jump shot. Ethan stole the ball, and Shepard hit a counterattack three-pointer to stop the Spurs. After the game, Sheppard received a pass from Capela and hit another three-pointer, scoring in double figures and giving the Rockets a 10-point lead. After Sheppard stole the ball, he assisted Okogie, and then he was replaced by Uduka. The Rockets made consecutive mistakes, and the Spurs gained momentum, leading by 1 point after halftime.

In the third quarter, the Spurs continued to suppress the Rockets, and Durant's consecutive mistakes hurt morale. In the last 2 minutes of this quarter, Sheppard sent out consecutive assists, and the Rockets were only 4 points behind.

In the fourth quarter, Shepard made another steady shot, and Sengon made consecutive free throws to chase points for the Rockets. Okogie stole the ball, and Shepard assisted Durant for a counterattack dunk to stop the Spurs. Although the Rockets struggled to catch up, the Spurs played steadily and had the last laugh.

Sheppard continued his good touch from the last game. He played 26 minutes in this game and scored 16 points and 6 assists on 6-of-10 shooting, with a plus-minus value of +8. He really tried his best. Sheppard is limited by his body and will definitely suffer in defense and rebounding, but his shooting and passing can help the Rockets. In this game, Sheppard played like a point guard. He earned himself 10 minutes of playing time in the crucial fourth quarter.

Shepard was selling his shooting and basketball intelligence before the draft. He was a type that the Rockets were scarce at the time, so Stone chose him.

Other Rockets player statistics: Sengon 25 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists, Durant 24 points and 2 assists, Amen 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block, Okogie 12 points, 3 rebounds and 5 steals, Smith Jr. 5 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block, Ethan 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, Adams 3 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal, Capela 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block.