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Ben Sheppard · For opposing defenses, it’s wise to expect buckets to arrive from any and every direction when facing a historically-balanced Indiana Pacers juggernaut that had eight different players score 200+ postseason points. As proven by Ben Sheppard, the actual angles in which those points arrive can often be just as thrilling to see. Inspired, perhaps, after seeing his fellow second unit teammates march their way into the NBA’s history books, Sheppard presents a superb contribution, speeding past Shai Gilgeous-Alexander before hanging an acrobatic, one-handed layup beyond Isaiah Hartenstein’s reach. In single-digit wins, every shot matters, and during his 18-minute appearance, Sheppard made every attempt count, as he chipped in an efficient eight-point, six-rebound, one-assist, two-block performance. Those plays — and a combined 49-point showing from Indy’s bench — helped secure a 2-1 series edge over the Oklahoma City Thunder, as the Pacers moved to within two wins of a title on June 11, 2025. · State of Mint