Ben Sheppard's buzzer-beater 3-pointer at the end of the third quarter set the stage for an epic Game 7 showdown between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. This championship series marks a historic moment, as both teams embody the success of small-market rebuilds.

The Thunder, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, return to the NBA Finals after a remarkable run, showcasing their impressive talent with young stars Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. Their journey includes a record-breaking 68 wins this season.

On the flip side, the Pacers have overcome early-season struggles to make their way to the Finals, bolstered by trades that brought key players like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Haliburton's clutch performances helped Indiana secure pivotal victories to reach this stage.

Ben Sheppard's mustache has become a defining feature of his persona since being drafted by the Indiana Pacers. Initially clean-shaven during his college days, the 2023 first-round pick embraced the look shortly after joining the NBA. Despite his parents' mixed feelings, Sheppard found inspiration from a family photo, deciding to keep the mustache as a homage to his father. As he’s carved out a role with the Pacers, his mustache has become a part of his identity on and off the court, complementing his game as a high-energy wing.

Sheppard’s performance during the Eastern Conference finals has drawn attention, adding to the narrative around his unique style. He noted that the mustache represents more than just a facial feature; it’s now integral to how he views himself in the sport.

The Golden State Warriors are set to host the Indiana Pacers in their first regular season matchup, with the Pacers having the upper hand in recent encounters, winning six of the last nine games since the 2019-2020 season.

Both teams are dealing with significant injury concerns. The Warriors have Draymond Green, Moses Moody, and Gary Payton II listed as questionable, while the Pacers have seven players on their injury report, including James Wiseman, who is out.

Dillon Brooks led the Houston Rockets to a 114-110 victory over the Toronto Raptors, marking their first win in Toronto since December 2019. Jalen Green contributed 22 points, while Alperen Sengun recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

The Raptors, struggling with a seven-game losing streak, saw Ja’Kobe Walter score a career-high 27 points, but it wasn't enough to stop the slide.

In other NBA action, the Indiana Pacers dominated the Sacramento Kings 122-95, with Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner playing key roles. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic's triple-double helped the Denver Nuggets edge the New Orleans Pelicans in a thrilling overtime finish, 132-129.

Dillon Brooks led the Houston Rockets to a 114-110 victory over the Toronto Raptors, marking their first win in Toronto since December 2019. Jalen Green contributed 22 points, while Alperen Sengun recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. The Raptors, now on a seven-game losing streak, saw Ja’Kobe Walter score a career-high 27 points.

In other NBA action, the Indiana Pacers defeated the Sacramento Kings 122-95, with Pascal Siakam leading the charge. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic secured a triple-double to guide the Denver Nuggets past the New Orleans Pelicans in a thrilling overtime finish.