As November 1, 2024’s scoreboard confirmed, the New Orleans Pelicans’ soaring offense — through a 125-point finish — would’ve been difficult for any team across the Association to fly alongside. For the Indiana Pacers, it was perhaps appropriate that their best chance at controlling that flock arrived through the bucket-getting of one Ben Sheppard. Percolating warmly enough to accumulate his NBA career’s highest-scoring game to date, Indiana’s smooth-shooting off-guard conducts a brief masterclass on floor spacing, setting up transition camp within the far 3-point corner. Positioned to guide a one-point lead in a back-and-forth third quarter with accurate form, Sheppard elevates ahead of Jordan Hawkins’ closeout, burying his sixth trifecta of November 1, 2024’s battle. Despite troubles defending Sheppard, the Pelicans did commendably defend their home floor, eventually pulling away for a late-game victory. Sheppard, though, shined amidst added opportunities, leading Indiana’s charge of seven different double-figure scorers with 20 points (on 7-of-12 shooting), three rebounds, one assist, and three 3-pointers. · Nov 2, 2024