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Madison Today
By the People, for the People
Rockets Defeat Bucks Behind Reed Sheppard's Hot Shooting
Rookie guard's impressive performance leads Houston to victory over Milwaukee.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:23am
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In a high-scoring NBA matchup, the Houston Rockets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 117-108 behind a standout performance from rookie guard Reed Sheppard. Sheppard, a former standout at McFarland High School, poured in 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting, including 6-of-10 from three-point range, to pace the Rockets' offense.
Why it matters
The win over the defending NBA champion Bucks is an impressive early-season victory for the young Rockets squad, who are looking to build on their success from last year and establish themselves as a force in the Western Conference. Sheppard's breakout game also showcases the talent of this year's rookie class and the depth of basketball programs in the Madison area.
The details
Sheppard, the Rockets' first-round draft pick, had the hot hand from the opening tip, knocking down a trio of three-pointers in the first quarter to give Houston an early lead. He continued his efficient scoring throughout, hitting several key shots down the stretch to hold off a late Bucks comeback attempt. In addition to his scoring, Sheppard also contributed 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the winning effort.
- The game was played on April 1, 2026.
- Sheppard's 32-point performance was his career-high so far this NBA season.
The players
Reed Sheppard
A rookie guard for the Houston Rockets who starred at McFarland High School in Madison, Wisconsin before being selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Houston Rockets
An NBA franchise based in Houston, Texas that competes in the Western Conference.
Milwaukee Bucks
The defending NBA champion team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that plays in the Eastern Conference.
What they’re saying
“Reed really stepped up for us tonight. His shooting kept us in the game and his energy was contagious for the whole team.”
— Stephen Silas, Head Coach, Houston Rockets
The takeaway
Sheppard's standout performance not only helped the Rockets earn a key early-season win, but also showcased the continued pipeline of basketball talent coming out of the Madison area. As the Rockets look to build on last year's success, Sheppard's emergence as a scoring threat could be a major boost for the team.
