NBA FINALS: THUNDER VS. PACERS

June 4, 2025

Ben Sheppard

Indiana Pacers

Media Day

Q. Tell us about what this group has been able to accomplish thus far.

BEN SHEPPARD: Just our consistency throughout the Playoffs. Feel like we've been doing a good job of being connected on both sides of the ball. Just playing our brand of basketball and sticking to what we know works. It's been cool to watch and cool to be a part of.

Q. How much of a reflection do you see in OKC and vice versa in terms of pace and fast breaks and versatility and depth?

BEN SHEPPARD: I think we're both young, fast teams that are super deep. It will be a good matchup. Super excited to see both teams and what we're able to do.

Q. Has Rick used his experience as an NBA champion as either advice or motivation?

BEN SHEPPARD: Definitely. He's been through a lot of playoff series, a lot of Finals series. So what he brings advice-wise, what he's been able to go through helps us out a lot. Yeah, it's definitely encouraging to have someone leading our ship who has been through what we're going through.

Q. Now that you've been with Pascal for a year and a half or so, what has impressed you most about the quiet leader that he's become, then obviously what he can do on the court?

BEN SHEPPARD: Yeah, just his leadership means so much to us. Just having a guy like that in our locker room who has been in these situations helps us out a lot.

He's been more vocal this year than last year. Everything he says helps us, is positive for us. Super grateful to have him.