Jan 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) reacts to his basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
The Houston Rockets staged a remarkable comeback against the San Antonio Spurs on January 21, 2026, recovering from a 16-point deficit to secure a 111-106 victory. Heading into the final quarter down by 10 points, the Rockets (26-15) outperformed the Spurs (30-14), outscoring them 29-14 in the fourth quarter. This victory not only highlights the team’s resilience but also showcases the impact of second-year player Reed Sheppard, who led his team with a standout performance.
Sheppard delivered in crucial moments, scoring 12 of his game-high 21 points during the fourth quarter. His shooting statistics were impressive, finishing 8-of-17 from the field and 4-of-10 from three-point range. He also contributed two rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block, all while maintaining a clean slate with zero turnovers.
Sheppard’s Impact on the Game
The turning point of the match came when Sheppard hit a contested three-pointer with just under five minutes remaining, giving the Rockets their first lead since the opening quarter. His momentum continued as he executed a deft reverse layup, further solidifying the Rockets’ advantage.
Prior to this game, Sheppard averaged a modest 12.8 points per game. This performance marked his sixth outing of the season where he scored 20 or more points, including a career-high 31 points against the Golden State Warriors on November 26, 2025. Drafted third overall by Houston in the 2024 NBA Draft, Sheppard struggled for playtime during his rookie season, averaging just 12.6 minutes across 52 games. This season, however, he has emerged as a vital player in the Rockets’ rotation, averaging 29 minutes off the bench and recording the highest plus-minus of any team member at +15.
Team Contributions and Future Prospects
In addition to Sheppard’s stellar performance, the Rockets boasted a balanced scoring effort with four starters reaching double figures. Center Alperen Sengun led with 20 points, complemented by 13 rebounds and nine assists. Veteran forward Kevin Durant also contributed significantly, finishing with 18 points and seven assists, although his efforts were largely overshadowed by Sheppard’s late-game heroics.
This matchup was the second meeting of the season between the Spurs and Rockets. In their previous encounter on November 7, 2025, the Spurs defeated the Rockets 121-110. The Rockets had previously struggled in the fourth quarter of that game, being outscored 35-28. The turnaround in this latest game underscores the growth and potential of Houston’s young core, with Sheppard leading the charge.
As the Rockets continue their season, the performance of players like Sheppard will be crucial in their quest for playoff contention. With a blend of emerging talent and experienced veterans, Houston is positioning itself to be a formidable force in the league.
