Lance Stephenson and his Indiana Pacers have a 2-1 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first-round of the 2018 NBA playoffs. That lead and the 17-point come-from-behind victory in Game 3 gives Stephenson a chance to talk smack and he didn't disappoint. While LeBron James has never lost a first-round NBA playoff series and has actually been to seven straight NBA Finals, the Cavs are in danger this season. With that said, no one should ever count out LeBron and that seems to be what Stephensen is doing based on his recent comments.
Lance Stephensen rips Cavaliers
According to Lance Stephensen, the Indiana Pacers have "full control" of the first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Stephensen said that his Pacers just have to keep it up and when they get another win "in our building" he believes that the Cavs will start "panicking."
If the Indiana Pacers best LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers at home in Game 4, they will have a 3-1 lead in the first-round playoff series -- the first time the Pacers have ever enjoyed that against a LeBron James-led team. Things will then head back to Cleveland and the Cavs will realize they have to win three straight to win the series.
The Pacers have played LeBron James in the playoffs four times -- in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2017.
In 2012, Indiana had a 2-1 lead over the Miami Heat but ended up losing three straight. That is what LeBron wants to happen this postseason.
Are the Cavs panicking?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have some young players on their team. Names like Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood and Larry Nance Jr. are not as experienced as others. George Hill might not play due to an injury.
However, LeBron James, Kevin Love, Jae Crowder, and even the sloppy J.R. Smith have plenty of playoff experience.
Kevin Love was asked about the Cavs performance. According to Love, who has been on the last three Cavaliers NBA Finals teams, said that the want is there for this team. He said the team played "spirited" in the first half and were aggressive.
However, Love credited the Indiana Pacers for their defensive play and hard play.
Head coach Tyronn Lue said that the Indiana Pacers won a game that the Cleveland Cavaliers should have won. Lue said that the Cavs are disappointed but not discouraged. While Lance Stephensen believes that the Cavs will panic, Lue said his team is "confident" heading into Game 4 and that his team feels they can win.
