Believe it or not, Jeremy Lin is a bench player. However, he gave Coach Kevin McHale something to think about as the point guard dropped 31 points against the Toronto Raptors as the Houston Rockets won in double overtime thanks to Lins' efforts.
Lin scored 31 points in almost 46 minutes of action. He shot 10-17 from the floor, going 3-6 from downtown. He finished with five rebounds, no assists, two steals and even a blocked shot. He had five turnovers, but his effort tonight was way better than the Rockets' starter, Patrick Beverley.
Known very well as the one who caused Russell Westbrook's injury and later took Lin's job in the playoffs, Beverley could not get anything to fall tonight. He only played 24 minutes, finishing with just one point and four rebounds. He only had three turnovers, but Lin's production was a lot better tonight.
Lin's performance was extremely solid (and yes, he needed extended time to score the 31 points) however, is there any reason to think that the point guard will now return as the Rockets' starter? What if McHale considers Lin as just another weapon off his bench? Then tonight's performance will not mean much to Lin's efforts of making the starting rotation.
The Rockets have talent to spare in the starting lineup, it would not hurt to have a rested point guard, who has proven he could start at the NBA level. As the stats detail, Lin played almost twice as many minutes as Beverley in this game. The Rockets and Raptors needed 10 minutes of overtime to decide the game and Lin was there every step of the way.
It is impossible to believe that Lin can play 45 minutes of a 48 minute game. Also, if you're expecting him to drop 30 points every game then something is wrong with you. The one thing Lin proved is that he is a great teammate, willing to pick up his ball club when they least expect it and need it most. Though Lin's inconsistencies have landed him on the Rocket bench, he surely does not get paid like a bench warmer, McHale now knows he can count on another player to contribute for his team.
It is also possible that Lin simply dislikes the Raptors since he always seems to do something amazing to defeat them. He hit the big three-pointer to seal the deal back in February of 2012 when he was a New York Knick. This time, for the third time in his career, Lin scored 30 points or more.
Raptor killer! Just call him that.
Should Jeremy Lin start after this dynamic performance? Voice your opinion in the discussion section underneath.
