Jeremy Lin: Knicks Suddenly Playoff Contenders with Linsational Guard

Jeremy Lin has single-handedly transformed a sinking New York Knicks franchise into a playoff contender. This conclusion became an unavoidable reality after the New York's third straight victory with a 107-93 win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.

This game may have been Lin's finest performance yet. His 23 points were the lowest of his three-game run, but he recorded his first double-double.

Lin dished out a career-high 10 assists in this game. Adding an exclamation point to his solid performance, Lin also added in a steal, a block and committed just two turnovers.

And he also had this rim-rattling dunk to add to his building highlight package.

The Knicks' Transformation

Prior to this three-game winning streak, the Knicks were coming apart at the seams. Trade rumors were circulating as stars Amare' Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony struggled. They had lost 10 of their last 13 games.

Now they have won their last three games by an average of 10.7 points a game.

At the absolute heart of this turnaround is Lin. Stoudemire has missed the last two games and Anthony played just six minutes in the second of those victories before suffering an injury, which forced him to miss the most recent win. 

Lintastic Future

It needs to be mentioned that the Knicks' three-game winning streak has not exactly come against the cream of the NBA crop. They have beaten Nets, Jazz and Wizards. 

Lin's excellent play alone won't be enough to lead this team to the promise land. However, he shouldn't have to do it alone. 

What he does do is infuse much needed energy into this franchise—energy that Stoudemire and Anthony will become a part of when they return. 

It also gives them the point guard this team has been desperately looking for. 

New York is currently 11-15. That leaves the Knicks just a half-game out of the No. 8 spot in the East. This team should be able to make the playoffs. 

And if Lin can keep up a pace anywhere near what he is doing now, and Anthony and Stoudemire can return to All-Star form, this team could be dangerous in the postseason.