One of the more hilarious moments in recent NBA history came in Game 5 of the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers.
Down three games to one, the Pacers were trying to stave off elimination against LeBron James and company. They had taken the same team to seven games the year before, but this time, it looked like they didn’t stand a chance.
At one point during the contest, Pacers forward Lance Stephenson, who was then considered one of the best defenders in the league, blew in James’ ear.
Many have wondered why he would perform such an underhanded act, and he explained why (sort of) to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson during And 1’s Open Run at Kingdome in Harlem, New York.
Lance Stephenson reveals why he blew in LeBron James' ear: "Just playing hard, man. We were trying to win a Championship playing hard against one of the greatest players to ever play basketball, so you know I brung it all. I brought the New York out and trying my best to stop… https://t.co/3hGVIhdeQp pic.twitter.com/ZmqsaH77y4
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) July 28, 2023
The Pacers ended up winning, 93-90, before bowing out in Game 6.
Five seasons later, Stephenson and James ended up being teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers, adding an interesting twist to the story.
