Editor’s Note: It’s officially no fun anymore, as Larry Bird disapproves of Stephenson’s “sweet nothings” in LeBron’s ear. (Just kidding. It’s still fun.)
It’s no secret that Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals was a suspense-filled drama. The Heat were a mere shot from demolishing the Pacers’ hopes for a chance to push the series to Game 6, but the Pacers are still fighting due to Paul George’s near–record-high 37 points, 24 of which he scored in the fourth quarter. The Pacers ultimately won this potential last stand at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 93-90.
Even with PG’s stellar final-stanza performance and David West’s typical rage-filled intensity fueling the team and fans onward, Lance Stephenson stole the show with over-the-top antics reserved to date for characters like one-time NBA stars Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest) and “The Worm” (a.k.a. Dennis Rodman).
During Game 5, Stephenson flopped like a fish and once even snuck into Miami’s huddle—all in an attempt to get inside the head of LeBron James. The ploys seem to have worked, as LeBron quickly found himself in foul trouble and finished with just seven points.
But of all Stephenson’s stunts, his most notable one was blowing into LeBron’s ear late in the game. The Internet, of course, took it from there, and a slew of memes and Vines began popping up.
A popular Vine had Ginuwine’s “My Pony” dubbed over the game noise:
But we at IM believe the smooth tenor-saxophone chorus from George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” should be quietly played in the background as Stephenson gently leans toward LeBron and affectionately blows the soft nothings of “I own you” into his ear.
For more stats on Game 5, click here.