Nobody was more fired up about Reed Sheppard going airborne on Monday than Kevin Durant.
The Houston Rockets put the ball in Sheppard’s hands in the final seconds of the first quarter at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The second-year guard took full advantage.
Sheppard froze Lakers center Jaxson Hayes with a killer crossover and blew right past him for a two-handed dunk. Durant, who was sitting on the bench, was absolutely fired up by the youngster’s show of athleticism.
Kevin Durant was HYPED on this Reed Sheppard slam!
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) March 17, 2026
📺 Peacock pic.twitter.com/Q4XPYvZd7H
Sheppard is primarily known as a deadeye marksman from beyond the three-point line, but can get up for a slam from time to time. After executing a slick dribble move, it was only fitting that he finish the play with an exclamation point.
The scene was surely a welcome sight for Rockets fans after Durant allegedly belittled one of Houston’s other young players on his burner account. The former MVP can be critical when he needs to be, but will celebrate your wins if you give him something to cheer about.
