Reed Sheppard's 31 Points Lead Rockets to 104-100 Comeback Win Over Warriors
Nov, 27 2025
Reed Sheppard didn’t just break his career high — he rewrote the script. On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the 20-year-old shooting guard for the Houston Rockets dropped 31 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in a stunning 104-100 road win over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco. It wasn’t just a personal milestone. It was a statement. With the Rockets trailing by 14 in the second quarter, Sheppard turned a collapsing defense into a launching pad — hitting four threes, attacking the rim with fearless precision, and dragging his team back from the brink. This wasn’t luck. It was leadership. And it came from a rookie still learning the NBA’s rhythm.
The Second-Half Surge
The Warriors looked dominant early. They led 59-47 at halftime, fueled by crisp ball movement and defensive pressure. But something shifted after the break. The Rockets’ bench, led by Alperen Sengun (16 points, 6 rebounds), started crashing the glass. Head coach Ime Udoka switched to a zone that confused Golden State’s rhythm. And then there was Sheppard. In the third quarter alone, he scored 14 points — including a cold-blooded step-back three over Klay Thompson that silenced the crowd. By the end of the third, the Rockets had outscored the Warriors 27-17. The momentum had flipped. The crowd’s energy? Gone.
Sheppard’s Breakout Night
Sheppard’s 31 points weren’t just the highest of his career — they were the most by any Rockets rookie since James Harden dropped 40 in 2010. He shot 50% from deep (4-of-8), attacked the basket with poise beyond his years, and even defended Draymond Green on a crucial possession in the final minute. His sixth assist — a no-look pass to Amen Thompson for a transition dunk — had the broadcast booth buzzing. "That’s not rookie stuff," said one ESPN analyst during the post-game recap. "That’s franchise-altering." The NBA confirmed via Second Spectrum tracking that Sheppard’s 31 points were officially the highest-scoring game by a rookie in franchise history since Harden. And he did it all while playing 38 minutes, with zero turnovers.
Warriors’ Struggles and Confusion
Golden State’s offense sputtered. Stephen Curry, who finished with 19 points and 8 assists, looked off rhythm — missing three open threes in the fourth quarter. The team’s star power didn’t translate to execution. Jimmy Butler III — whose name appeared in early reports but doesn’t appear on the Warriors’ roster — was clearly a misattribution. The actual top scorer for Golden State was Will Richard, who had 20 points off the bench, including a behind-the-head assist from Curry that had fans gasping. But it wasn’t enough. The Warriors committed 18 turnovers, and their bench scored just 28 points compared to Houston’s 47. Draymond Green, the veteran leader, looked exhausted — fouling out with 2:14 left in the fourth. The Warriors, now 10-10, are staring at a season that could slip away if they can’t fix their late-game execution.
Historical Rivalry, New Chapter
This win extended the Rockets’ road dominance over the Warriors to five straight victories since January 2024. It’s a stunning reversal — considering Golden State holds a 130-108 all-time series edge since 1971. But the tide is turning. The Rockets’ 57-point second half was their highest in the 2025-2026 season. Their 12-4 record now puts them second in the Western Conference, just behind the 13-4 Los Angeles Lakers. Meanwhile, the Warriors are clinging to a .500 record, with no clear identity beyond Curry’s brilliance. The pressure is mounting on head coach Steve Kerr, who hasn’t had a winning season since 2022.
What’s Next?
The Rockets return home to Toyota Center in Houston on Saturday, November 29, 2025, to face the San Antonio Spurs. They’ll be riding a two-game win streak and the confidence of a road win against a playoff-caliber team. The Warriors, meanwhile, travel to Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Friday, November 28, to take on the Lakers — a matchup that could define their season. If they lose, they’ll be four games under .500 with only 56 games left. The clock is ticking.
Behind the Numbers
Chase Center drew roughly 16,000 fans — generating $1.2 million in gate revenue. The Rockets’ victory was their fifth straight on the road against Golden State, a streak that began in 2024. The game marked the 239th meeting between the two franchises. And for the first time in nearly 15 years, a Rockets rookie outshone a future Hall of Famer in a head-to-head matchup. Sheppard didn’t just score 31 points. He announced himself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Reed Sheppard’s performance compare to other NBA rookies this season?
Sheppard’s 31-point game is the highest single-game output by any rookie in the 2025-2026 NBA season, surpassing Cade Cunningham’s 29-point game in October and Victor Wembanyama’s 28-point effort in November. Only two rookies this year have recorded a 30+ point, 5+ rebound, 5+ assist game — Sheppard and Paolo Banchero. His efficiency (50% from three) also ranks among the top three for rookies with 10+ three-point attempts this season.
Why is this win significant for the Houston Rockets’ playoff chances?
With a 12-4 record, the Rockets are now firmly in the top four of the Western Conference, a position that guarantees home-court advantage in the first round. Their five-game road win streak against Golden State — a team that’s made the playoffs six of the last seven years — signals they can compete with elite teams. If they maintain this pace, they’ll likely secure a top-three seed, which could mean avoiding the Lakers or Nuggets until the Western Conference Finals.
What’s the issue with Jimmy Butler III being listed as a Warrior?
That was a reporting error. Jimmy Butler plays for the Miami Heat. The player who scored 21 points for the Warriors in this game was Will Richard, a 22-year-old forward acquired in a midseason trade from the Pacers. Early media feeds misidentified him due to similar jersey numbers and playing style. The NBA corrected the stat sheet within 90 minutes of the game’s end, and ESPN updated its broadcast graphics shortly after.
How has Ime Udoka changed the Rockets’ defense since taking over?
Under Udoka, the Rockets have shifted from a switch-heavy scheme to a disciplined drop coverage that forces opponents into mid-range shots — a tactic that’s cut opponents’ three-point attempts by 14% since October. Against the Warriors, they forced 18 turnovers by clogging passing lanes and rotating quickly. Their defensive rating improved from 114.2 to 107.8 in the second half — the best defensive half of the season. Udoka’s influence is now visible in both structure and energy.
What does this mean for the Warriors’ playoff outlook?
At 10-10, the Warriors are barely above .500 and currently sitting in ninth place in the West — one game out of the play-in tournament. With a tough schedule ahead — including games against the Lakers, Suns, and Timberwolves — they need to win at least 14 of their next 20 just to stay relevant. Stephen Curry’s health remains a concern, and the lack of a reliable second option beyond Richard and Thompson is becoming a liability. Without major trades or a coaching adjustment, their playoff hopes are fading fast.
Is this the start of a new era for the Rockets?
It might be. Sheppard, Amen Thompson, and Sengun form a young core with elite upside — all under 23. The team’s pace, ball movement, and defensive discipline have improved dramatically under Udoka. Unlike past rebuilds that relied on lottery picks, this group is already winning. If Sheppard continues to develop at this rate, the Rockets could be serious contenders by 2027. This win wasn’t just a fluke — it was a signpost pointing toward a new direction.