Just two days ago, New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin had the best game of his young NBA career. Last night, in his first start with the Knicks, Lin had an even better one.
On February 06, 2012, Lin led the Knicks to a 99-88 victory over the Utah Jazz. It was the second straight win for the Knicks, and another fantastic performance by Lin.
The Knicks entered the game without Amar'e Stoudemire, who rushed home after learning that his older brother was killed in a car accident. Then Carmelo Anthony left the game early in the first quarter with a groin injury. Without their two stars, Lin and the Knicks had a daunting task ahead of them.
And they responded. Lin surpassed his career-highs from the previous game with 28 points, 8 assists and 44 minutes played. Lin led all scorers and played almost the entire game. But it was the way he ran the offense that was most impressive. In the past two games, Lin has looked great at the point guard position. His ability to score, penetrate and find the open man has breathed life into a previously struggling Knicks offense. Thanks to Lin, the Knicks are scoring baskets and the offense is clicking.
A good point guard makes the players around him better. That's exactly what Lin did last night. Five Knicks players were in double figures, including forward Steve Novak who came off the bench to score 19 points in just 17 minutes.
The Knicks have struggled this season without a true point guard running their offense. However with Lin at the point, things have turned around drastically. Lin is a true point guard and a perfect fit for this offense. But he is not just a good point guard. Lin is a special player. He is talented, fearless and smart. And when the game is on the line, he plays better.
Lin has turned in two straight incredible performances. It's scary to think that he is still learning and will only get better. For the second straight game, the Madison Square Garden crowd praised Lin with chants of "MVP! MVP!" If he keeps up this pace, it will be official.
More from Edwin Torres:
How to Succeed in Basketball with Jeremy Lin: Fan Reaction
Knicks Guard Jeremy Lin Emerges After Winding Road in the NBA: Fan Reaction
Edwin Torres was born in New York City. He has been a Knicks fan since the early 1980s. He has visited Madison Square Garden on many occasions to watch the Knicks and his favorite player, Patrick Ewing. For more articles, follow him on Twitter @FlipPoker.
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