In his NBA home debut, Reed Sheppard inspires the Rockets to a preseason victory over the Pelicans

HOUSTON – In the first game (albeit preseason) in his new home arena, the Toyota Center, Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard quickly made his presence known.

Sheppard, selected No. 3 overall by Houston in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, scored 9 points and 2 steals, including a 3-pointer, in an impressive 11-minute first-half stint on Tuesday and all four of them first recordings.

“I know it's preseason, but that damn Reed Sheppard has my undivided attention,” ESPN analyst and former NBA player Kendrick Perkins posted on X during the first half. “He's going to be a big player for the Rockets this season play.”

The 20-year-old sharpshooter from Kentucky finished the game with 9 points, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 22 minutes.

Houston ultimately won the game 118-98 (box score) and improved to 2-1 on the preseason. The Pelicans are 1-2.

The highlights can be found below. Sheppard and the Rockets will conclude their 2024-25 preseason with Thursday's home game against San Antonio, beginning at 7 p.m. Central.

More: Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard is grateful for veteran Fred VanVleet's guidance and mentorship

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard makes an immediate impact in his NBA home debut