Born Ready has been reborn
Who knew Lance Stephenson would be back in a Pacers uniform?
About last night…
Remember Lance Stephenson? The guy who starred for the Pacers more than a half-decade ago, creating his own book of tricks to annoy LeBron James in the playoffs — and eventually blowing in his ear?
He's back. After stints with the Grand Rapids Gold and Atlanta Hawks, Stephenson — who earned the nickname Born Ready on NYC blacktops — has returned to the Pacers in a new light. Not as a dynamic scorer (although he did just drop 30 points vs. Brooklyn) or pest for opposing stars, but as a premier dime-dropper and pick-and-roll partner for Domantas Sabonis:
9 of Stephenson's career-high 14 assists came to a rolling Sabonis. 2020 and 2021 were weird years. But I did not have Lance Stephenson balling out in a Pacers uniform while wearing AND1 sneakers on my 2022 bingo card.
Sabonis finished with a career-high 42 points in a win over the Jazz. Most of his buckets were either from Stephenson or the fact that Utah, without Gobert, just let him spot up from the mid-range and top of the key. The Pacers are expected to be active ahead of the February 10th trade deadline, but moving Sabonis seems less likely by the game.*
*We're reverse jinxing a Sabonis trade
This play deserves 100 words in a casual Sunday edition of ICYMINBA:
LaMelo, when asked by The Ringer's Rob Mahoney about his ability to create plays out of nothing, retorted: “How do I even know how to do this stuff when I ain’t never heard of it or seen it or nothin’?” Every time LaMelo does something like this, that quote pops in my head. This play wasn't designed, and Ball didn't have time to think — it just happened. Greatness comes from years of hard work, but the most spectacular events occur from the unconscious.
Scores, stats, and notes
Grizzlies 123, Clippers 108 — The Grizz keep rolling. A 15-point win without Morant. Triple J with 26 to lead them. Marcus Morris scored 29 for LAC.
Hornets 114, Bucks 106 — Giannis scored 43, shooting 18-20 from the free throw line. Remember when he couldn't shoot? Rozier paced Charlotte with 28.
Pistons 97, Magic 92 — Somebody had to win, right? I was in the building for a Trey Lyles third quarter explosion. I'd bet the house on Gary Harris and Terrence Ross donning different uniforms on February 11th.
Pacers 125, Jazz 113 — Utah desperately needs Gobert. His importance is on full display when he's not there. 36 points and 9 assists for Donovan Mitchell.
Celtics 99, Knicks 75 — The sweet taste of revenge. No Evan Fournier (who scored 41 points in the last matchup and averaged 35 against Boston in the three previous matchups). Jaylen Brown notched his first triple-double (22-11-11).
Heat 123, Suns 100 — The Suns lost at full strength to the Heat. Tyler Herro (33 points, 12-20 FG) and Duncan Robinson (27 points, 9-17 FG) were red hot.