Jeremy Lin could hardly duplicate his game-winning heroics from Tuesday night in a return to the Garden to start a five-game home stand. Nevertheless, Lin did not disappoint in his hero's welcome on Wednesday as the confident New York Knicks dispatched the visiting Sacramento Kings by a final score of 100-85 for their seventh consecutive victory.
Setting aside the catchy names, round-the-clock coverage and a nation that has yet to have their fill of sports' latest Horatio Alger tale, Lin and the Knicks built up a 77-55 lead over the Kings after three periods of play. In cruise control for the final frame, they allowed the Kings to score 30 to their 23. Is was hardly enough.
Landry Fields led the Knicks with 15 points and a team-best 10 rebounds. He was one of five New York players to score in double figures.
Still, the night belonged to Lin, who showed no visible signs of strain from a packed house that nearly brought down the roof multiple times with a cannonade of adoration. Lin had 13 assists to go with 10 points and five rebounds. The Kings, by comparison, had a total of 15 assists through the entire game. The Knicks' dominance was enough that Lin rested on the bench for much of the second half, staying fresh for tougher matchups in the week ahead, including games against Atlanta, Dallas and Miami.
The win moves the Knicks to an even 15-15, one game behind Boston in the Atlantic and five games back from Philadelphia, who the Knicks will not see until March 11.
Linsanity continues on Friday when the Knicks host New Orleans.
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