Knicks vs. Timberwolves: Highlights and Analysis of Jeremy Lin's Performance
The legend that is Jeremy Lin continues to grow after the Knicks' 100-98 victory over Ricky Rubio and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Target Center was packed in anticipation of Lin's arrival, as CNBC sports reporter Darren Rovell pointed out.
It certainly wasn't Lin's best performance, as he almost had as many turnovers (six) as field goals (eight), and missed more shots (16) than his counterpart, Rubio, attempted.
But despite his struggles, I think we can cut the kid some slack. He still dropped 20 points and seven assists, his fifth straight game putting up those All-Star caliber numbers. Not coincidentally, his strong play also resulted in the Knicks' fifth straight win, which is a season high.
Early on, it looked like we were headed for another nationwide freak-out after Lin started off hot. He put up 15 points in the first half on 7-of-12 shooting. He was busting out his usual herky-jerky crossovers, getting into the lane with ease against one of the league's premier perimeter defenders in Rubio.
He also showed off his outside shot in the early going, splashing consecutive long-range jumpers. Unfortunately, he came down to Earth in the second half.
Rubio, the league leader in steals, frustrated Lin with his exceptional length and instincts. He forced Lin into multiple turnovers, and even swatted away one of his layups late in the fourth quarter.
Lin only scored five total points in the second half and missed a critical free throw with 4.9 seconds left. But luckily for Linsanity lovers, he drained the second one and New York held on to win by two.
Lin's performance pales in comparison to his outburst against the Los Angeles Lakers, but he still did enough to earn another career highlight. As this Michigan football fan pointed out, Lin is already in some elite company.
Although that is a major accomplishment, Lin will never reach the status of those three icons. His mojo has been outrageous over these past few games, but as soon as Carmelo Anthony returns, his days of taking 20-plus shots will be over. This guy has got the right idea.
Anthony is day-to-day with a groin injury, and I'm sure he's ready to hustle back and steal Lin's thunder. But until then, sit back and enjoy the Linsanity.
