While much of the attention was placed on the Brooklyn Nets having their “Big 3” for the first time during the 2021-22 NBA season with the season debut of Kyrie Irving, the Indiana Pacers were focused on Lance Stephenson playing his first game in Indiana since 2018.
Not only did Stephenson just manage to inject some excitement into the fans of a Pacers team who was 14-20 entering the 129-121 loss to the Nets, he made NBA history along the wya.
Lance Stephenson recorded a staggering 30 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists in 32 minutes of action. He scored 20 of those points in the opening quarter despite coming off the bench—setting an NBA record for most points ever scored in the first quarter of a single-game by a player coming off the bench .
While that may sound like a bit of an engineered stat, it essentially shows he provided the biggest scoring boost by a bench player to start a game in NBA history. That’s impressive, to say the least.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Is It Time To Win Now Or Start Over For Indiana Pacers?
Lance Stephenson was set to sign a multi-year deal with the Pacers right before the COVID pandemic caused the NBA to undergo a shutdown. It has been a long road for “Born Ready” since that point.
For those keeping track, Stephenson went overseas to play in China and worked out with a few teams before ultimately not landing a deal before the 2021-22 season. He paid his dues in the G League this season before earning a 10-day hardship contract with the Atlanta Hawks—playing for his former coach Nate McMillan.
Stephenson struggled with the Hawks—averaging 1.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 11.7 minutes per game. He did not convert on a single attempt from deep in his 6 appearances and finished shooting just 38.5% from the field. Atlanta opted to not sign him to another 10-day hardship contract.
“I’ve been just working out two years, just waiting for this moment,” Stephenson said. “I’m so happy to be here at home.”
LATEST NBA NEWS: Is It Time To Win Now Or Start Over For Indiana Pacers?
The addition of Lance Stephenson was not enough to get a win over the Nets and it certainly will not be enough to push the Indiana Pacers back into playoff contention. While that may be the case, the fanbase of a team that ranks 29th in attendance has another reason to actually go to Gainbridge Fieldhouse this season.
