29+6+6, Shepard showed his upper limit potential. The Rockets have 28 points in their minimum salary and are expected to get a rotation spot.

In the Rockets' fourth preseason game, Udoka chose to rest the entire main lineup. Players such as Durant, Shen Jing and Amen did not play. Instead, Shepard was asked to lead a group of substitutes to test the performance of the second and third lineup players. As the regular season approaches, the Rockets need to ensure that their starting players are not injured and further strengthen their bench strength. There are many talents on the front line and inside, but they are short of major generals on the back line. Shepard finally proved his ability once again and performed like a star.

The major ball handlers were absent, and the game entered Sheppard mode. In the first quarter, he started the offensive mode, scoring 9 points on 4 of 6 shots from inside and outside, without assists. Shepard's biggest characteristic is his shooting ability. Doing what he is best at is what the Rockets want to see most. His outstanding performance in the first quarter made him more confident. In the second quarter, Shepard showed his star power. Not only did he continue to maintain the stability of the offense, but he also used passes to drive the performance of Okogie and veteran Jeff Green.

In the entire game, Shepard filled up the data column, scoring 29 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. What is even more surprising is that he had 4 steals and 3 blocks. His defensive ability is underestimated. Shepard's physical fitness ensures that he can follow the opponent's players, has defensive awareness, and can often perform anticipatory steals. If he can continue this state into the regular season, VanVleet's injury will not cause the Rockets to worry about the depth of the lineup at the first position. Sheppard's upper limit is not just a qualified first position.

This game is full of gold. The Rockets are playing a lot of substitutes, which further tests the players' abilities. The Hawks are using their main players. Porzingis, Trae Young, and Rissashe all play. They also have a lot of main players in the final quarter. The opponent has a regular season lineup. Trae Young played poorly against Shepard, making only 4 of 14 shots and scoring 12 points and 10 assists. Whether it was statistics or on-court performance, Shepard completely defeated this NBA All-Star point guard and showed his upper limit potential.

The Rockets had a total of 8 players in this game. In addition to Shepard, Okogie scored 28 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. His contract only has a basic salary of US$3.08 million for one year. This is another missed signing. He is in the Rockets' rotation. It's not high, and three-pointers have never been his specialty. He is more of a gatekeeper on the defensive end. In this game, he gave full play to his ability to counterattack and hit the basket. Partnering with Shepard in the backcourt, he played more easily. This game has firmly won a spot in the rotation.

In the new season, the Rockets' defense is greater than their offense. Uduka's special skills will not be lost. Defensive players can be given priority to enter the regular lineup. Davison, a substitute, scored 14 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in this game. He cannot compete with Shepard for the main position for the time being, but he is more than enough to serve as the substitute No. 1 position. The Rockets are full of surprises in the preseason. Shen Jing's evolution, Durant's stable output, and Amen Thompson's three-pointers have also been practiced. Shepard was activated again in this game. Everything is ready just before the start of the new season and usher in the real test.