Even Jeremy Lin is amazed at how the New York Knicks have responded to “Lin-sanity” and the new Asian-American NBA superstar says things will only improve when injured playmaker Carmelo Anthony returns.
Lin passed out 13 assists and added 10 points to finish among seven double-figure New York scorers in Wednesday’s 100-85 victory over Sacramento, stretching the Knicks’ win streak to seven games, their second-best run since 2000.
The Knicks’ meteoric rise to 15-15 has come since unheralded Lin, cut twice last December by NBA rivals, came off the bench after Anthony went down with a groin strain and Amare Stoudemire departed to mourn the death of his brother.
“The thing that has been interesting to me is to see how well the team has put everything aside,” Lin said.
“We were losing games. We could have started pointing fingers and said it’s the coaches’ fault, which by the way it wasn’t.
“It’s unbelievable right now. The camaraderie on this team is ridiculous. The guys are a joy to be around. There’s all smiles at the practice facility.”
Lin said playing in New York, known for its 24-hour-a-day scene, put him in the path of dangers and temptations, but that he was going to stay humble in the face of a fairytale story that has captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
“We put our egos aside and when we put our egos aside and buy into coach (Mike) D’Antoni’s system, we’re going to win games,” said Lin.
That means Lin, averaging 9.1 assists in the past seven games, expects more performances like his 13-assist effort against the Kings than those like his 38-point showing against the Los Angeles Lakers.
“As a point guard, my shooting percentages were really high,” Lin said. “I don’t think that’s necessarily good. It’s my job to distribute the ball and get the team in a rhythm.
“When ‘Melo comes back, my points will go down and my assists will go up.”
The Harvard University graduate also hopes to disprove stereotypes about athletes from Ivy League colleges known more for academics that sports, and he hopes to similarly change outlooks and stereotypes regarding Asians and Asian-American NBA players.
Lin said his greatest challenge thus far since his newfound fame has been adjusting to playing so much and “finding ways to be efficient with the minutes I’m given. I’ve got to focus on that.”
That means more concentration on avoiding turnovers and not being distracted by opposing defensive schemes.
But it’s hard not to be humbled when told about being praised by US President Barack Obama.
“Very honoured. Very humbled,” Lin said. “Wow. The President. Nothing bad in that.”
Meanwhile, Kevin Martin matched a season-high with 32 points, including the game-winning free throws with 23.6 seconds remaining, as the Houston Rockets edged the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 96-95.