Reed Sheppard’s health admission makes Rockets’ Game 5 win more impressive

Back-to-back key plays from Reed Sheppard down the stretch helped the Houston Rockets secure the win against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday and stay alive in their first-round series.

Sheppard scored on a pull-up jumper over Deandre Ayton with 2:37 left in the fourth quarter to give the Rockets a five-point lead. He then stole the ball from LeBron James in the ensuing possession, leading to his easy dunk and a seven-point advantage, 92-85.

It proved to be enough cushion, as the Rockets escaped with the victory, 99-93.

Sheppard finished with 12 points, six assists, and three steals. Apparently, he was not in optimal condition in Game 5, as noted by Sports Illustrated’s Lachard Binkley.

“Reed Sheppard told Ernie (Johnson) and the crew he is ‘a little sick,’ which makes his performance even more special,” wrote Binkley on X.

Reed Sheppard told Ernie and the crew he is "a little sick," which makes his performance even more special

— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) April 30, 2026

The 21-year-old guard was not listed in the injury report for Game 5.

If he was not feeling well, Sheppard definitely did not show it. He sucked it up and helped the Rockets in every way possible, repaying the trust given by Houston coach Ime Udoka despite being under the weather.

Sheppard struggled in the first few games of the series, but he has since picked it up. He had 17 points, including four three-pointers, three assists, and three steals in their win in Game 4.

Game 6 returns to Toyota Center on Friday.

The Rockets are looking to become the first team in league history to climb back from a 3-0 deficit and win the series in the playoffs.

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