Overview
- The second-year guard closed the game with late free throws to finish a 31-point night in San Francisco.
- He shot 12-for-25 with four 3-pointers, raising his season average to about 14.3 points per game.
- Over his past nine games, he has averaged 17.7 points while hitting 46.9% from three as increased minutes followed a recent spot in the starting lineup.
- Coach Ime Udoka credited his shot-making and pick-and-roll reads and said defense is where Sheppard has improved the most.
- Teammates led by Jae’Sean Tate secured the game ball for him, while Durant’s ongoing guidance and public praise have supported his emergence.