Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham battled in Summer League matchup

As I watched the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Houston Rockets play a Summer League game that started at 11:00 p.m. EST, I contemplated whether or not I’d stay up and write about it. Then the lyrics to one of the great Kentucky songs of all time flashed through my head.

“I feel like Reed and Rob. Yeah, I’m on my job. I feel like Reed and Rob. Yeah, I’m on my job.”

It was the first matchup between Kentucky’s two top-10 NBA picks and on this night, Rob Dillingham‘s Wolves bested Reed Sheppard‘s Rockets 93-83. While neither player exactly lit up the floor like it was Rupp Arena, both had respectable nights.

Sheppard started 1-7 from the field but followed that up by going 8-10 to finish with 20 points, despite not connecting on any of his five 3-point attempts. He also led the Rockets with seven assists and chipped in two steals (one off of Rob) and a block. I’m sure he’ll hear about his nine turnovers from Stacey, though.

Reed Sheppard is smooth. 🥶

pic.twitter.com/4dn4emHUV1

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 19, 2024

Dillingham continued his Summer League theme of being a little inefficient from the field, shooting just 6-21, but he finished with 15 points to go along with his six dimes and five boards.

Rob also hit two of his seven 3s, one of which was in the eye of his former Kentucky benchmate, Reed Sheppard.

Rob Dillingham knocks one down despite challenging Reed Sheppard. 🐺#Timberwolves | #NBASummerLeague pic.twitter.com/PAaBTB2e7e

— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) July 19, 2024

Both the Wolves and Rockets are likely out of Summer League playoff contention, but each will get a fifth and final game. Whether or not Rob Dillingham or Reed Sheppard will play in their teams’ finale is uncertain, but both players have validated their draft position this summer, with Sheppard drawing whispers he should have gone first overall.

Do you miss them in a Kentucky uniform yet? Yeah, me too.