Lance Stephenson played his second home game for the Indiana Pacers on Thursday and helped his team come out with an important victory.
When asked what he thinks he been contributing to them, the 26-year-old Cincinnati product said he feels his intensity has been his strong suit. He gave credit to the the Pacers' supporters, who he said have never changed since he last played for them in the 2013-14 season. Stephenson also admitted he feels “more than home” now in his second stint in Indianapolis and that he feeds off the fans' energy.
Lance Stephenson after @Pacers win: "The fans never change. … I like to feed off of them. It made me play with more energy." #GoPacers pic.twitter.com/wHoGfezncP
— FOX Sports Indiana (@FSIndiana) April 7, 2017
Before he checked into the game on Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors, the fans inside Bankers Life Fieldhouse gave him a standing ovation, making him know that they are happy for his return. Stephenson was selected by the Pacers 40th overall in the 2010 draft and played his first four seasons in the league with them.
Although the team extended a five-year offer to him in 2014, he decided to join the Charlotte Hornets instead. His career went downhill following that as he was not able to play at the same level he did earlier in his career and battled numerous injuries. Stephenson bounced around the league and even agreed to a couple of 10-day contracts before the Pacers signed him again recently.
With the playoffs less than two weeks away, it makes Stephenson's signing even more important, as he provides them with toughness and a lot of energy. His ability to play and defend multiple positions also adds to their depth at the guard and forward positions, which will help them in their quest to contend in the East.
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