Lance Stephenson's return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse exceeded Pacers' fans wildest dreams, as the beloved guard erupted for 24 points to propel Indiana — missing 10 players due to injuries and the NBA's health and safety protocols — to a 73-60 halftime lead over the Brooklyn Nets.
Kevin Durant got off to a hot start, scoring nine of the Nets' first 15 points, but the shorthanded Pacers hung tough with Brooklyn early. The two teams were tied at 15 when Stephenson checked in for the first time with 6:23 remaining in the first quarter.
As the artist also known as Born Ready ran to the scorer's table, the fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse began to rise to their feet and greeted their prodigal son with a standing ovation as he checked into his first home game as a Pacer since 2018.