Take that, Lance Stephenson!
Bet Born Ready was not ready for the injury-depleted Indiana Pacers to have a better record than his Charlotte Hornets, regardless of how early it is in the season.
And yet, after the Pacers nipped the Hornets, 88-86, the reality is now that Indiana (5-7) have a better record than Charlotte (4-8).
It almost never happened. On the last play of the game, Rodney Stuckey tried to shake Lance with a behind the back dribble, but his jumpshot was way short. As the rest of the players watched the ball, Solomon Hill snuck around his man and grabbed the airball in mid-air and flipped it up — reverse-style — just before time expired. The refs had to review it, but the result was never in doubt as the ball was already in the cylinder by the time the red light went off.
Roy Hibbert had a big night with 18 and 11 on 50% shooting, while Luis Scola continued his strong play with 15 and 7 on 6-9 shots. Donald Sloan and Stuckey had 11 apiece.
Lance had 10, 8, and 7, but shot poorly again, going 4-12 from the field. You’d have to think his shooting numbers and scoring will improve as the season progresses, but so far, given all the other injuries the Pacers have suffered, you’d have to think perhaps Indiana isn’t as stupid as we think for letting Lance walk. The Hornets are supposed to be much better this year with the addition of Lance to Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker, and yet they’re clearly underachieving. Could team chemistry be a problem?
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