LANCE STEPHENSON’S RETURN to Indiana sparked the Pacers to a much needed win, but his last basket of the evening incensed the playoff-bound Toronto Raptors.
“Tasteless, classless,” Toronto’s P.J. Tucker said of Stephenson’s layup with 3.3 seconds remaining in a game the Pacers had in the bag.
The 108-90 come-from-behind triumph saw the Pacers break a four-game losing streak and move back to the number seven playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.
Stephenson, playing his first home game as a Pacer since 2014 after rejoining the club on Sunday, scored all 12 of his points in the fourth quarter, when the Pacers out-scored the Raptors 31-15.
But the game ended with a brief shoving match after Stephenson put up his uncontested lay-up instead of dribbling out the clock.
Stephenson and Toronto’s Tucker and DeMar DeRozan all received technical fouls.
“The game was over,” DeRozan said. “That’s not the way you win. The game was over, so run the clock out.”
Even Pacers coach Nate McMillan said that Stephenson violated usual NBA etiquette.
“Normally, guys hold the ball in that situation,” McMillan said. “I don’t think he meant to embarrass anyone.”
And indeed Stephenson, who once tried to rattle LeBron James by blowing in the superstar’s ear during a playoff game, was contrite after padding his team’s final winning margin.
“Everybody was chanting my name and saying, “Go, Go,” Stephenson said.
“I just want to say sorry to the Raptors. I didn’t mean any harm. I was very excited, first game back home and I wanted to do it for the fans. I know I made a mistake, and I’m sorry for that. I was caught in the moment.”
One man who won’t be apologising to anyone anytime soon is Russell Westbrook.
The leading MVP contender pulled level with Oscar Robinson’s 1961/2 season record for 41 triple doubles during last night’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Westbrook finished the game with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists to put OKC back to winning ways.
The guard drained a three-pointer just before halftime to finish the first half with 12 points. Check. Minutes into the third period he notched his 10th rebound (check!) and within seconds had delivered a 10th assist (job done) on Taj Gibson’s basket that put the Thunder up 67-42.
His 41 triple-doubles this season are more than 10 NBA teams have amassed in their club histories, and just 13 short of LeBron James’ career total.
James notched his 54th triple double as the Cleveland Cavaliers bounced from a double overtime win over Stephenson’s Pacers to defeat the Orlando Magic 122 – 102.
The reigning champions will be back in action tonight against the Boston Celtics with the eastern conference lead at stake.
Way out west, a little Steph Curry magic – not to mention 41 points from Klay Thompson – pushed the Warriors to a 121 – 107 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Thompson’s second 40-point game of the season was the Warriors’ 12th straight win. The splash brother drained seven three-pointers in 14 attempts. Curry had 19 points with nine assists.
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I’m a united fan, but, in united, the Glazers have their own personal license to print money, (literally billions). The only way they’ll ever be gotten rid of is legislation, or if its no longer profitable.
Media/social media pressure, will make zero difference.
@Martin Malone: Social media pressure is making a huge difference. Team Viewer who recently partnered with the glazers at United saw stocks fall by 4% in one day. Trustpilot now banning reviews pn them after all the negativity. Once sponsors start falling, the Glazers become out of pocket and will sell
@Hugh: I genuinely hope you’re right …I just think news comes and goes so quick these days ..In a few weeks it will be as if nothing has happened…we’ll pay over the odds for Sancho…and all will be forgotten… we’ll pick up odd cups here and there…and eventually when the club is no longer as profitable…it will be sold. Hope ta f I’m wrong.
Get out of my club and take your debt with you.
@Jason Flynn-Wall: to be fair it’s his club
@thomas walsh: how do Mancunians find their way to our 42 page?
@Joe: beats me
Their rattled, promise the sun moon and stars now..
I don’t support United. But i certainly don’t support the glazers either.
Gary Neville mentioned the ground at old Trafford is in dire need of upgrading , rats were reported seen around the seats last year and so forth , he said the glaziers are siphoning money out of the club etc . I’m lost in wonder when I consider the glazers have pumped almost a billion in to buying players , they’ve won numerous trophies and sacked managers the fans weren’t happy with . Sir Alex never complained about them and I think he wouldn’t hold back if he thought the club was being wronged , especially when he had nothing to lose at the end of his reign .They are business people at the end of the day . The recent rioting by united yobs was disgraceful , the decent ones are disgusted I’d imagine ? A peaceful one should have been the norm .
@Tricksy: glazers bought the club with a loan
Transferred the debt of the loan to the club
Have put $0 of their own money back into the club
All transfers have came from revenue
They have taken 2 billion from the club
Agree with the peaceful protest.
@Pauly Kels: previous Liverpool owner hick s and Gillett did the exact same and nearly put the club out of business , but they never sourced transfers like the Glazers Pauly . It seems this is an American business model ? Don’t think if fsg came under the same model but definitely the price they paid is only a pittance to what it’s worth now . I think the breakaway would destroy the game , but the fiddler calls the tune and it won’t go away .Sir Alex always had me wondering about why he stayed quiet on the Glazers . Stan kronke put a brand new stadium around Arsenal , so what owners do isn’t all bad .
@Tricksy: lfc were very lucky hicks and gillett owernship only lasted 3.5 years, this is going on 16 yrs with utd.the transfers that were sourced all funds were made available from revenue not a cent from the glazers pockets.yes exactly that breakaway would have destroyed football.
Straight out of the ‘row with the missus’ playbook.
There’s only one winner here bud
If they’re not going to reduce the mountain of debt they’ve lumped on the club then this letter is useless as that’s really the core issue most fans have. If they don’t reduce debt then they can feck off. They’re only parasites feeding off the club.
Thw money from united went to gwt tom brandy to to the Bucs. They win thw super bowl and the money stays in Tampa
Orignally when they bought the bucs. They wanted a new stadium or they moved. The Tampa government built one. Been there a few times fine place. But again a freebee. Ols Trafford hasnt been updated in years, it will fall behind the rest. All because of greed.
They want you all out not talking more
They should f off back to Jacksonville
The horse has bolted long ago. No point in closing the door now Joel.