The first-round playoff matchups in the Eastern Conference weren’t known until the final games of the season concluded, as the Pacers and Bulls snatched up the final two spots ahead of the Heat and the Celtics locked down the No. 1 seed over the Cavaliers.
The Pacers and Cavaliers have not met in a playoff series in recent years, but LeBron James is more than familiar with Paul George and company as he faced Indiana three times in the playoffs during his time with the Heat. The Heat and Pacers had some great playoff series and regular season battles, and among the most memorable moments of their rivalry was Lance Stephenson’s infamous act of blowing in LeBron James’ ear.
Stephenson, after a journey around the league for the past three years is back with the Pacers and seems back at home, making a positive impact in a place he’s comfortable. The playoff matchup of James against Stephenson and George gives a nice little spice to what is otherwise a fairly dull first-round in the Eastern Conference. The fans aren’t the only ones looking forward to the rematch. If we believe LeBron James’ Instagram activity, he’s also ready to get back on the court against Stephenson and the Pacers.
https://twitter.com/MikeGoldFool/status/852554019969142785
Athletes are masters of creating motivation for themselves, and no one is better at manufacturing motivation than LeBron James. You can bet he’ll enjoy getting the chance to play a familiar foe in the first round as he tries to lead the Cavs back to the Finals in their quest for a repeat.
