When the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets got things started at Madison Square Garden, no one could have guessed who the hero would have been. Instead of Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoundemire or Deron Williams, it was little-used guard Jeremy Lin that owned the World's Most Famous Arena as the Knicks downed the Nets, 99-92.
The Harvard graduate came into action on Friday with a career average of 2.8 points per game, but he led all scorers Saturday night with a career-high 25, including some nifty baskets in the paint that brought the Garden faithful to their feet for most of the night. With just over two minutes remaining and the Knicks up six, Lin split defenders Deron Williams and Kris Humphris, drove for a three point play and shared a bow with Anthony.
The Nets were led by Williams' 21 points and 11 assists, though shockingly he couldn't keep up with Lin down the stretch. Kris Humphries added 20 points and 12 rebounds while Jordan Farmar poured in 19 off the bench. A Nets reserve had a career-high as well Saturday, with rookie Jordan Williams scoring 10 points in 26 minutes.
Lin hit on 10-of-19 shots from the field, handed out seven assists and grabbed five rebounds. Arguably more important than any of those numbers was his ball security, as the point guard had just one turnover in 35 minutes of action.
After being released by the Golden State Warriors in December and spending some time with the Houston Rockets, Lin has now turned in the game of his life and if the chanting of "Jer-e-my" by the Garden crowd is any indication, will be a fan favorite going forward.
Keeping things simple after his performance, Lin broke down how the Knicks came out on top.
"We play hard, we play together and we're just thankful to get out of here with a win."
New York has now taken five games in a row from New Jersey.
The Knicks will try to keep up their momentum when they welcome the Utah Jazz on Monday night. The Nets will return home to take on the Chicago Bulls Monday.