No Kevin Durant? No problem! Houston Rockets survived another game without their top scorer after taking care of business against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Cup where they are both already eliminated. Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun provided huge plays in the end to make sure their hosts won’t be able to steal the game and seal a 104-100 victory.
KD continues to be out for the team after taking personal time that made him miss their game against the Phoenix Suns on November 24. Rockets won that game by 22 points.
Reed Sheppard was the one tapped by head coach Ime Udoka to fill in on the starting line up for KD and although he fell short against the Suns, scoring just 7 points, he made up big time against the Warriors.
The sophomore posted 31 points, 9 rebounds, and five assists in the win. His scoring was the most by any player in the game.
Udoka thought Sheppard kept them in the game which was close since the first quarter.
“He was big,” the coach told reporters when asked about his point guard. “Reed really held us together when guys were struggling.”
Jabari Smith Jr. gives shoutout to Warriors
KD was not the only one who missed the Warriors. They only missed their forwards and centers like Steven Adams and Tari Eason.
Smith stepped up for the team and scored 15 points while also getting assigned to Jimmy Butler. He played at a high level in all the 37 minutes on the floor against a team he fondly remembers.
Jabari Smith Jr. is one guy who’s guaranteed to show up in big games, he’s really good
— The Creole Crusader 🧛🏽♂️ (@midrangejumpr2) November 27, 2025
Jabari Smith Jr.’s leap this year was needed, & has been pleasant to watch. Some of his newfound willingness to play team basketball likely comes w/ believing in their now KD-led squad, but the improved decision-making & passing arsenal is legitimate & intriguing.
— Noah Buchholtz (@noahbuchholtz) November 27, 2025
Warriors eliminated the Rockets in an intense first round encounter last playoffs and looks like Smith can’t forget that yet. A reporter said the Rockets forward was fired up after the win which he called a “get back”.
Jabari Smith Jr. walking back to the Rockets locker room after beating the Warriors: “That getback’s a mothafucka!”
— Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson) November 27, 2025
He also celebrated the victory on X.
I love this shit
— Jabari Smith Jr (@jabarismithjr) November 27, 2025
For the latest Basketball Content
Make sure you are always updated on your favorite basketball players and teams. Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for the latest and trending news about NBA, college basketball, and more. Stay updated by reading more of our NBA articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
