Rockets Guard Reed Sheppard's Curry Nickname Rejected by Klay Thompson

Mavericks veteran says no one should be compared to the Warriors superstar shooter.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:47pm

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In a recent game between the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks, Rockets guard Reed Sheppard had a relatively quiet performance, scoring just 6 points. However, some Rockets fans have taken to calling Sheppard 'Cocaine Curry' due to his hot shooting this season. After the game, Mavericks guard Klay Thompson, who played alongside Stephen Curry on the Warriors, rejected the comparison, saying 'I think Reed is a great shooter. I don't think anyone should ever be in the same sentence as Steph though. That's crazy.'

Why it matters

Curry is widely considered one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, so any comparisons to him are seen as extremely high praise. However, Klay Thompson, who played with Curry for many years, believes it's inappropriate to put any player in the same category as the Warriors superstar.

The details

Sheppard has been having a strong second season with the Rockets, shooting 39% from 3-point range. With starting point guard Fred VanVleet out with a torn ACL, Sheppard has been forced into a larger role and his hot shooting could be a big boost for the Rockets in the playoffs. But Thompson believes no one should be compared to Curry, who has shattered numerous 3-point shooting records in the NBA.

  • The Rockets defeated the Mavericks on Saturday, February 1, 2026.
  • Sheppard scored 6 points in that game, missing all 4 of his 3-point attempts.

The players

Reed Sheppard

A second-year guard for the Houston Rockets who has emerged as a strong 3-point shooter this season, averaging 39% from beyond the arc.

Klay Thompson

A veteran guard for the Dallas Mavericks who played alongside Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors, winning multiple championships.

Stephen Curry

Widely considered one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, having shattered numerous 3-point shooting records during his time with the Golden State Warriors.

Fred VanVleet

The starting point guard for the Houston Rockets who suffered a torn ACL before the start of the current season, forcing Sheppard into a larger role.

Cooper Flagg

A player for the Dallas Mavericks.

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What they’re saying

“I think Reed is a great shooter. I don't think anyone should ever be in the same sentence as Steph though. That's crazy.”

— Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks Guard (Sports Illustrated on X)

What’s next

The Rockets are set to take on the Indiana Pacers on Monday, February 3, 2026.

The takeaway

While Rockets guard Reed Sheppard has emerged as a strong 3-point shooter this season, veteran Klay Thompson believes it's inappropriate to compare any player to the legendary shooting of Stephen Curry, his former Golden State Warriors teammate.