Lance Stephenson has provided the Indiana Pacers with a much-needed jolt of energy since signing back with the team in late March.
The Pacers are 4-1 down the stretch since Stephenson's return to Indiana. His role is a reduced version of his old one, averaging a solid 21.8 minutes off the bench and becoming a spark plug with his all-around floor game.
In his limited amount of action, the 6-foot-5 wing is averaging 7.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. Despite a different team foundation, the 26-year-old doesn't mind growing into his role as he once did after being drafted by the team in 2010.
Asked if he minds coming off the bench after having a more prominent role with the team three seasons ago, the shooting guard gave a humbling response.
“Two weeks ago I was laying in my bed,” Stephenson told Mark Montieth of Pacers.com.
Stephenson's role is likely to grow into a bigger one as he gets more comfortable with Indiana's system, but it will be his consistency which will determine just how big of a role he can play on the Pacers moving forward.
The Pacers face their final test of the regular season today and can lock down a playoff spot by netting a win against the Atlanta Hawks tonight.
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