G67 Jeremy Lin and the Nets Attempt to Tie Season Series with NY Knicks at the MSG
Jeremy Lin at the Madison Square Garden always brings a special feeling of nostalgic Linsanity. Never mind that Lin tried to downplay the upcoming game as just another game after Linsanity happened 5 years ago; Linsanity will always bring special moments of excitement in the Knicks history. Jeremy Lin’s team has a convincing 8-3 record against the Knicks (when he played) since he left the team 5 years ago; it is even more impressive considering 2 losses happened during the Lakers 2014-15 tanking season under the Tank Commander Byron Scott.
After playing 10 consecutive games after the All-Star Break, Lin expressed he finally is getting sharper especially in his strength to attack the basket after recording 24 season-high points in 26 minutes in the loss against OKC.
He returned again after the All-Star break and has played 10 games. The latest was the 122-104 loss to Oklahoma City at Barclays Center Tuesday when he tossed in a season-high 24 points.
“I’m happy I’m healthy,” Lin said. “I definitely appreciate it a lot more now.
Nets vs Knicks Matchup
The Knicks has been struggling after the All-Star break and hasn’t put together back-to-back wins since Dec 20 and 22. With the Nets trailing 1 Win-2 Losses in the season series this season, it would have been a definite moral victory if Lin can lead the Nets to win both games when Lin played.
With the realization that the New York Knicks will miss the playoffs for a fourth straight season, coach Jeff Hornacek is wisely using the remainder of the schedule to give his younger plays quality minutes.
The Knicks (27-41), who are in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, host the Brooklyn Nets (12-54) on Thursday. The Nets defeated the Knicks 120-112 on Sunday.
The Knicks haven’t put together back-to-back wins since Dec. 20 and 22.
“Whether we’re in the playoffs or not in the playoffs, we’re going to play hard the whole time,” Hornacek said. “The playoffs may not be in reach, but this especially could be for other young guys to get some time to show what they really can do.
“Until you’re mathematically done, you’re always going for it, but sometimes it’s realistic.”
KEY OF THE GAME: The Nets need to continue to keep their turnovers low and prevent the level of play to drop to low when Lin gets some rest. With Sean Kilpatrick is out injured, the Nets would need to find ways to score for the 2nd unit. We might see Archie Goodwin, newly signed with 10-day contract, be inserted to see if he can help attack the rim.
Let’s hope and pray JLin will continue getting stronger and lead the Nets to win more games!
Let’s go, JLin and the Nets!
Game link
