The Indiana Pacers looked to take a commanding 2-0 lead on Tuesday against the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the Conference Finals.
The duo of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade had other plans.
Wade led the Heat with 23 points on an efficient 10-of-16 from the field to go with five rebounds and five assists, while James stuffed the stat sheet with 22 points on nine-of-18 shooting, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and three blocks.
The Pacers couldn’t get much going offensively, but Lance Stephenson did everything he could to keep his team in the game, scoring a game-high 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting while adding six rebounds and seven assists. At times, the guard put on a show in front of the home crowd, making one tough shot after another, including this one to end the first half:
He also played dead after one particular play in the third quarter, drawing some laughter from the viewers:
At the end of the day, players around the league (most of them) appreciated what Stephenson had provided for the Pacers, even if it came in a loss:
@StephensonLance reminds me so much of my ex teammate Flip Murry that I played with in #Seattle #SuperSonics — Mateen Cleaves (@Mateen_Cleaves) May 21, 2014
Why celebrate at halftime when your team is down by 4? Is it about one play or the whole game?? #RESULTS — Tim S. Grover (@ATTACKATHLETICS) May 21, 2014
I see you one of Coney Island’s greatest = Lance Stephenson. — Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) May 21, 2014
My goodness !! — Tobias Harris (@tobias31) May 21, 2014
Lance Stephenson is ballin right now!! #MIAvsIND — Wally Szczerbiak (@wallyball) May 21, 2014
Lance in his baggg — Kendall Marshall (@KButter5) May 21, 2014
Lance hooping….. — speedy claxton (@speeddeamon) May 21, 2014
@StephensonLance is putting on a show right now!!! TATC Tough As They Come!!!!!
— Mateen Cleaves (@Mateen_Cleaves) May 21, 2014
I like Lance Stevenson. He got that ‘I’m coming at your neck IDAF MENTALITY! Str8 killer! Yessir.
— Al Thornton (@AThornton14) May 21, 2014
Lance Stevenson has a fantastic game for the Pacers, but was there rhythm thrown off because he’s NOT there go to guy? D West, PG…….
— Bruce Bowen (@Bowen12) May 21, 2014
Tweet of the Day: Surprise, Surprise; Cleveland Wins … AGAIN!
Players around the league shower the San Antonio Spurs with praise on twitter
James Park is the chief blogger of Sheridan Hoops. Follow him on twitter @SheridanBlog.