Ime Udoka highlighted Reed Sheppard’s second-half performance in Houston’s 102-95 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. “He was aggressive, made shots, made the right plays… timely threes to go four for six there. Even when he wasn’t making it, he was making the right plays,” Udoka said.
The Rockets limited Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers’ perimeter shooting compared to their previous matchup. “I think our rotations were on point… Leonard gets seven up but all very highly contested other than the one or two that he did make. Only one guy scored in double figures,” Udoka said, emphasizing improved defensive execution.
Dorian Finney-Smith’s defensive assignment on Leonard also drew praise. “He was really, really good on Leonard… the shots are going to come, the legs are going to come. If he doesn’t have it, he’s smart enough to drive and penetrate and kick,” Udoka said, noting Finney-Smith’s disciplined approach.
Udoka spoke on the development of Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson as facilitators. “They’re going to take your lumps as young players… you see growth throughout the season. Getting downhill, making the right plays… both showing it,” he said.
Regarding Kevin Durant, Udoka stressed the veteran’s all-around contributions. “There’s so many things he does when it’s not just scoring. Push the pace, get assists, get rebounds, guard at a high level… he does everything so well for us at a high level,” Udoka said.
The coach also addressed ball movement and spacing. “Both those guys… getting to their spots, knowing where their outlets are… early in the game, a lot of kickouts to Jabari were due to the attention he and Alpi were drawing,” Udoka said, referring to Smith Jr. and Sengun’s impact on floor spacing.
Udoka acknowledged turnovers and rebounding as areas for improvement. “Just playing in the crowd too much… knowing where the doubles are coming from, getting to our outlets… guards and wings got to come back and get to the elbows,” he explained, pointing to areas the team can refine.
Kevin Durant scored 26 points, Alperen Sengun added 22, and Amen Thompson contributed 16 in his return from illness. Reed Sheppard added 16 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Rockets improved to 33-19 and will host the Clippers again on Wednesday in their final game before the All-Star break.
