Reed Sheppard stepped up in the absence of Kevin Durant, contributing 17 points, eight assists, and five three-pointers in the Game 1 loss against the Lakers. Despite his efforts, Sheppard’s shooting struggled, hitting just 6-of-20 from the field and committing four turnovers. As the Rockets look ahead in the series, Sheppard’s role remains vital, yet improving shooting efficiency and ball security will be key components for the Rockets’ playoff ambitions.