When Lance Stephenson came into the league in 2010, my first year covering the Indiana Pacers, there was something special about him. He played with a childish enthusiasm that brought the soul out of ANY HOOD, USA and onto the NBA floor.
I loved the way he played the game because of the passion that he exerted. Sure, he was going to throw an errant pass every now and then and hit the beer man in the chest but that came with the territory.
That same soul and excitement is now back in the building as Lance or as I love to call him Lance “The Don Dada” has rejoined the Pacers for the third time in his career. This time on a 10-day contract. Hopefully, he’ll get extended well beyond that because he’s the reason why it’s fun again to watch the Pacers take the floor.
He brings an energy and excitement that, let’s face it, didn’t exist before he showed back up, especially this season. Watching the Pacers has been like watching paint dry on the side of an abandon building.
On Saturday the Blue and Gold snapped a six-game losing streak beating the Utah Jazz 125-113. Domantas Sabonis led Indiana with 42 points on 18-of-22 shooting. However, “The Don Dada” dropped off 16 points and a career high 14 assists and 4 steals off the bench. That’s the energy that this team has been missing for a long time and head coach Rick Carlisle sees it as clear as Vodka.
“Lance gives us a different vibe. There’s a spark he has with his personality. There is change in disposition, body, language and enthusiasm. Lance with the ball can make a lot things happen. He has the ability to be unpredictable yet under control. The intriguing thing about Lance is he’s so unselfish. He’s a giver and he’s an energy giver.”
I’m so glad that Carlisle recognizes the power of Lance’s energy not only to his team but what he brings to the arena and how contagious that is to the fan base. They love The Don Dada or like he’s named himself “Mr Born Ready!!
When he makes the 3-pointer he’s giving the crowd the air guitar and they absolutely love it!!! It’s called entertainment!!! For the price people are paying for tickets these days there has to be more that just a bunch of guys running up and down the floor shooting and playing defense. Lance is the answer and has always been.
Even when people were trying to play him crazy like former head coach Frank Vogel and former teammate Paul George when they would blast him and his so-called antics in front of the media. He was the energy that they needed.
Well…his antics was the reason that they got to a Game 6 in that series.
Folks love the way he plays the game. When he hits that no look pass coming down the floor and it’s a dart for the crazy assist. It’s worth every penny that the fan has spent to come to the game.
In ANY HOOD, USA the game of basketball is played the way the kid from Brooklyn plays it. Crazy passion and soul is the recipe. Once you take the soul out of the game it ceases to be any fun.
I’m just glad that Carlisle sees what the fans see. I hope he continues to support Mr. Born Ready because not only will he help the Pacers win more games but he’ll put butts into seats. That’s always good for business. Stop me when I start lyin’!
