The Indiana Pacers hosted the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday night. It was the first game of the season for Nets' superstar Kyrie Irving. That was the big story entering the game. Under the radar, it was also the return of Lance Stephenson to the Indiana Pacers.
Stephenson last played for Indiana in the 2017-2018 NBA season. That was his second stint with the team. He previously played with the Pacers from his rookie season in 2010 to 2014. He, alongside Paul George, reached the Eastern Conference Finals together and was a fan favorite.
Pacers fans were clearly very happy to see Lance Stephenson back with Indiana. They gave him a standing ovation when he entered the game.
Lance Stephenson checks in to a big roar from the crowd: pic.twitter.com/rXoR25AFrT
— Tony East (@TEastNBA) January 6, 2022
Stephenson did not take long to show his appreciation. He took over the game and went absolutely nuts in the first quarter. Stephenson shot 8 of 9 in the quarter, hitting four shots from downtown for 20 points. The crowd went nuts every time he touched the ball. He finished the quarter off in style.
we have just witnessed the most unfathomable heater of the NBA season. Lance Stephenson hits his 20th point of the quarter at the buzzer in SIX minutes played. unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/oFFSvWmPeh
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) January 6, 2022
Stephenson leads all scorers with 24 points at halftime as the Pacers hold a 73-60 lead. Brooklyn Nets big three of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving were hit and miss. Durant came out firing, scoring seven points in the game's first couple of minutes. He has 20 points on 8 of 12 shooting from the floor.
But James Harden and Kyrie Irving mostly struggled. They each have eight points, with Harden shooting 3-8 and Irving shooting 3-7.
Irving came out a little slugging in his first game, missing his first three shots but appeared to have found his sea legs as the first half wore on.
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