Jeremy Lin has been the focal point for the Houston Rockets all season and despite the fact that he suffered a bruised chest in Game 2 against the Thunder, the point guard said he will be ready to play when Game 3 hits on Saturday.
According to ESPN.com, Lin's x-rays on his bruised chest came back negative and he said that as long as spasms stop leading into the game, he will play and start at point guard for the Rockets. Lin was healthy while playing in all 82 games during the regular season and after missing out on the playoffs with the Knicks last season, he has been healthy through two games. Lin said he didn't know when the injury happened, but he felt it bad after the game and his condition will be monitored throughout the week.
Houston was down a ton at one point in the game and eventually lost 105-102, snapping the streak of four games between the two teams that saw at least one team scoring 120 points. James Harden scored 36 points, 10 off the total he had in the first matchup of the regular season, the only time the Rockets have beat the Thunder so far this season. Durant added 29 points in the game and were able to get the victory despite blowing a 15-point lead and Lin ended up not playing in the second half.
Lin only had seven points and three assists when he went down and Aaron Brooks and Carlos Delfino made up for his minutes. Lin needs to play better while in the game, as he only had four points and four assists the first time around and had four turnovers. Serge Ibaka and Kevin Martin were solid for the team, while the Thunder are looking like a dominant squad as they move through the playoffs.
The Rockets are one of the youngest teams in the NBA this year and Lin will get another chance next season in the playoffs even if he can't get back to full strength here. His Linsanity run in New York was better than he has been playing in the playoffs, but since it is his first time in the postseason, it is likely he is a bit nervous. The Rockets will get the next chance to win on Saturday at home.
