Move over, Tim Tebow, the sports world has its new crush: Jeremy Lin.
The Jeremy Lin Show was once again open for business on Friday night, providing more highlights than Kobe Bryant has to provide millions to his soon-to-be ex-wife.
Lin’s tally has now reached four consecutive outstanding performances, with the last three leading to a career-high in points.
In New York’s most recent win – its fourth straight, a 92-85 victory over the Lakers – Lin scored 38 points, eliminating even more critics, who not only doubted his longevity, but the Knicks as well, considering that the team’s previous three opponents were the Nets, Jazz and Wizards.
Lin is only in his second NBA season, playing just 29 games (with no starts) last year for the Golden State Warriors. His only four NBA starts came over the last week, and at the expense of other Knicks players that fell injured.
While the world continues to embrace “Linsanity”, just how remarkable are Jeremy Lin’s first four starts, as compared to other elite NBA stars or high profile rookies this season?
The proof isn’t in the pudding, but in the stat lines. Take the following examples, which even as small game samples, are still quite eye-popping:
Lin vs. NBA’s Top 5 Scorers (Last Week – 4 Games ONLY)
PLAYER |
FGM-FGA |
FG% |
POINTS |
PTS PER GAME |
Jeremy Lin (Knicks) |
42-73 |
58% |
114 |
28.5 |
Kobe Bryant (Lakers) |
38-95 |
40% |
115 |
28.8 |
LeBron James (Heat) |
30-62 |
48% |
89 |
22.3 |
Kevin Durant (Thunder) |
43-89 |
48% |
112 |
28.0 |
Kevin Love (T’Wolves)* |
18-34 |
53% |
57 |
28.5 |
LaMarcus Aldridge (Blazers) |
39-72 |
54% |
95 |
23.8 |
* Missed two games due to suspension
Lin vs. NBA’s High Profile 2011-12 Rookies (Over First 4 Career Starts of 30+ Min.)*
PLAYER |
FGM-FGA |
FG% |
POINTS |
PTS PER GAME |
Jeremy Lin (Knicks) |
42-73 |
58% |
114 |
28.5 |
Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers) |
29-60 |
48% |
77 |
19.3 |
Kemba Walker (Bobcats) |
24-62 |
39% |
61 |
15.3 |
Brandon Knight (Pistons) |
25-68 |
37% |
63 |
15.8 |
MarShon Brooks (Nets) |
30-63 |
48% |
75 |
18.8 |
* Lin is a second-year player, but these last four games represent his first four NBA starts
Note: Jimmer Fredette has only had three games of 30-plus minutes
Lin vs. NBA’s Top 5 Assists Leaders (Last Week – 4 Games)
PLAYER |
ASSISTS |
STEALS |
REBOUNDS |
POINTS |
Jeremy Lin (Knicks) |
32 |
7 |
15 |
114 |
Steve Nash (Suns) |
45 |
2 |
11 |
67 |
Rajon Rondo (Celtics) |
42 |
5 |
12 |
34 |
Chris Paul (Clippers) |
31 |
9 |
17 |
71 |
Jose Calderon (Raptors) |
36 |
3 |
8 |
37 |
Ricky Rubio (T’Wolves)* |
34 |
13 |
18 |
33 |
The numbers, when comparing to the likes of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and Kyrie Irving really help push Lin’s overall impact even further to the forefront.
No one can know just how long the Jeremy Lin hysteria will continue, but either way, the 23-year-old Harvard grad has clearly been the NBA’s unlikely savior in a controversial, strike-shortened regular season.
The hype has led to the media flocking, Twitter buzzing, fans scarfing up tickets, as well as the NBA signing up for additional gametime in Asia.
But instead of sitting, wondering and scratching our heads in complete bewilderment, let’s embrace all that is Jeremy Lin by just sitting back and enjoying the ride.
Who Has Been the Better Sports Story This Year?
- Jeremy Lin (78%, 14 Votes)
- Tim Tebow (22%, 4 Votes)
Total Voters: 18
* All game stats via NBA.com – tallied and totaled via The Wife Hates Sports