Lance Stephenson tipped his cap after his Indiana Pacers fell short of moving into the second round of the postseason, suffering a crucial 105-101 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7 on Sunday.
The Pacers faced a tough task on the road, playing against a star determined to play 48 minutes to propel his team to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
“I want to give it up for Cleveland,” said Stephenson, according to Tom Withers of The Associated Press. “The whole series, they kept their composure, they earned it. They’re an excellent team.”
His teammate, Victor Oladipo, didn't stray far from the same sentiment, knowing LeBron James would bring an MVP-caliber effort to keep his team's chance alive, tallying 45 points in yet another 40-plus minute performance — the sixth of this seven-game series.
“He did what he always does. It’s not really shocking,” said Oladipo. “He’s the best in the world and that’s what the best does, and now I gotta work to get on that level.”
Oladipo notably texted his trainer shortly after the loss, showing his ultimate commitment to keep being in the All-Star realm, after earning the honor for the first time in his career this season.
Stephenson will likely have a role increase next season, now with the faith of Nate McMillan, though it will all depend on the body of work he puts in during the offseason.
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