With 16 points and 6 assists, the answer to the Rockets No. 1 position emerged. Sheppard is a double-edged sword to solve the shortcomings and compete for the main force.

The Rockets ushered in 5 consecutive victories. Facing the old rival Spurs, the two teams are direct competitors in the Western Conference this season. Wenbanyama is in hot form this season. With his height as a center and his guard style, he has played the peak season of his career. The Rockets have been adapting to a lineup without VanVleet, and the overall effect is good, but they lack the test of a truly valuable game. Veteran Adams is back, and the Rockets have another option to deal with Bunyama, and the Twin Towers' rebounds are guaranteed.

Durant continued his sluggish performance. The first three shots were still iron-clad. He and Shen Jing made a total of 2 of 8. The Rockets suddenly misfired in the second half of the first quarter. The Spurs used the Rockets' offensive method to complete the lead. The Rockets now rely on the individual abilities of the players to play. As long as they are targeted by the opponent's defense and cannot score in the strong attack, there is no other way to break the game. There is no No. 1 position that can organize offensive passes. The Rockets are more foolhardy and do not move the ball smoothly. The upper limit of such a game is not high.

Relying on Shen to organize offense cannot become the norm. After all, he is a center. The Twin Towers once again changed the Rockets' style of play. Adams guarded the inside and after the defensive intensity increased, the Rockets counterattacked again. Wenbanyama scored two three-pointers + turnovers, and Ethan scored 5 consecutive points to lead the score. The technical and tactical styles of the two teams are very similar, and there is no No. 1 position that can pass the ball. Uduka is looking for a way to activate Durant and use him separately from Shen Jing. The two will play at the same time, but their tactical focus is different.

In the first few games, Durant showed his superstar ability and his strong singles ability. However, in the last three games, he suddenly slumped. He couldn't score simple goals and could only score difficult goals. In the second quarter, the Rockets suddenly exerted their strength. Capela and Ethan continuously grabbed offensive rebounds. It was normal for Durant to regain his touch and hit three-pointers. Another defender Shepard suddenly broke out, breaking through with throws and chasing three-pointers. Shepard had high hopes. In this game, he faced Castle, the No. 4 pick of the same year, and needed to prove himself.

Shepard is characterized by his outside shooting without blind spots or even distance. As a rookie last season, he had poor confrontation and did not get many opportunities. His prospects this year are actually not promising. After VanVleet was seriously injured, he had to shoulder the heavy responsibility. This game was his best game this season. He scored three points in a chaotic battle, stole and counterattacked, and assisted. If he does these two things well, he can at least take on 80% of VanVleet's role. However, Sheppard played well in the second quarter, and Uduka suddenly replaced him.

In the most difficult stage of the team, Sheppard stabilized the situation with passing passes. He used two 1 and 5 pick-and-rolls to assist Shen Jing and Adams to score at the basket. He also assisted Shen Jing to hit a three-pointer when double-teamed. Perhaps his organization passing is not excellent, but he is willing to learn how to play the first position well. He scored 16 points and 6 assists in the game, and made 4 of 7 three-pointers. Shepard's progress can be seen with the naked eye. The only thing that needs improvement is the shortcomings on the defensive end, and the lack of defensive thinking with his teammates. The answer to the Rockets' No. 1 position has emerged, but it is also a double-edged sword. Solving the defense can compete for the starting spot. The Rockets' five-game winning streak was ended, and Uduka's tactics are questionable.