Everything is set for the NBA Finals to begin this Thursday, June 5, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. As the Pacers and Thunder finalize preparations for the crucial Game 1, Indiana guard Ben Sheppard reflected on the team’s journey to the Finals and Caitlin Clark’s influence on the fan base.
Now in just his second year as a professional, Sheppard has become a key player in head coach Rick Carlisle’s rotation. His role on the team has steadily grown, and this season, he has averaged 19.5 minutes per game.
Sheppard emphasized that his job is to bring energy off the bench and, when called upon, to enter the game with focus and intensity, delivering his best performance for the team. He also credited the players’ experience and unity as the driving forces behind their Finals run.
Sticking to the team’s identity
In an interview with Nacho García of MarcaTV, Sheppard highlighted the lessons learned from last year’s Conference Finals loss to the Boston Celtics, saying, “We stuck together as a team and played our brand of basketball.”
He added, “We’re a super selfless team. We’re young, we play fast, and our coach is doing a great job guiding us. Staying confident in ourselves is key. So, yeah, it’s fun-it’s a fun way to play.”
The NBA’s changing landscape
A few years ago, few would have predicted Indiana and Oklahoma City facing off in the Finals. Sheppard acknowledged the NBA’s evolving landscape, saying, “I think it’s pretty cool that two small-market teams are on the biggest stage.”
He continued, “Both sides deserve to be here, and I’m just proud to represent the state of Indiana and Indianapolis. I think it’s cool.”
Sheppard also noted how the league has evolved, stating, “The NBA continues to change over the years. What worked in the past may not be as effective now, and two small-market teams reaching this stage shows how much the league has shifted.”
Caitlin Clark’s influence on the Pacers
Sheppard also praised Caitlin Clark, the WNBA’s Indiana Fever star, for her support during the Pacers’ Finals run. “I see her a lot at the arena-either when we’re watching her or she’s watching us,” he said.
“She supports us really well,” Sheppard added. “Her presence and success are inspiring, and she’s helping us out a lot.”
He reflected on Clark’s impact on the WNBA and Indianapolis, noting that they both entered professional basketball around the same time. Because of that, he has witnessed firsthand how Clark has influenced not only the WNBA but also the city of Indianapolis.
His connection to Anthony Edwards
The Thunder eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves, preventing Sheppard from facing his old elementary school rival, Anthony Edwards. The Pacers guard recalled that Edwards had the same intensity as a child that he now displays as a professional.
Although they only competed against each other in elementary school, Sheppard expressed happiness for Edwards’ success. However, his focus remains on the upcoming Finals, as he hopes to bring a championship to Indianapolis fans.
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