New York Knicks: Is Jeremy Lin the Answer for the Knicks at Point Guard?

When the New York Knicks signed Jeremy Lin this season, it was thought he would just be filling out their bench as one of the minimum salary players New York was forced to sign. But after last night, Lin proved he might be more than just a seat-warmer in the Knicks' 99-92 win over the New Jersey Nets.

Lin ran the show effectively for New York, posting career highs with 25 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. He gave the Knicks what they haven't had all season: a point guard who can dictate the pace of their offense and keep it organized as well.

And he did all that against one of the premier point guards in the league: Deron Williams.

The Harvard grad is getting his chance to play in recent nights because of the three games in a row the Knicks have had to play. Coach Mike D'Antoni is trying not to over-exert his players with the compressed schedule and his bench is becoming more and more necessary as the season goes on.

But while New York waits for the return and eventual debut of Baron Davis, can we possibly consider Lin as the answer at point guard?

At this point, no.

One career day against the Nets and their top point guard isn't enough to crown the Lin a starting NBA point guard, but it will certainly be enough to open people's eyes to the fact that Lin has the potential to be one.

That type of thought process could be helped along greatly if he can perform like this against one of the NBA's elite teams.

With this win over the Nets, he's gained credibility as a guy who deserves to be here. Lin has earned the right to get more looks in the future considering the Knicks have yet to find the solution at point guard any place else. It's a "wait and see" approach at this point, but it's one that coach D'Antoni will be willing to take.

With his back against the wall, D'Antoni's job might have been saved with the win last night. With all the talent and superstar power New York has on it's roster, I find it incredible to see that it was Lin who might have saved his job and not one of his more famous teammates, Carmelo Anthony or Amar'e Stoudemire, amongst others.

Lin is quickly becoming a fan favorite because of his small stature and underdog persona that is naturally connected to one of the players who sit at the end of a NBA team's bench. He will have the support of the Madison Square Garden faithful moving forward.

It just remains to be seen what Lin will actually do with this golden opportunity he's created for himself. For the sake of the Knicks and their fans, let's just hope he's the diamond in the rough New York has been waiting for.

Just stay cautiously optimistic, Knicks fans.