Jeremy Lin scores 34 points now returns to Garden where he sparked ‘Linsanity’ craze across NBA

PHILADELPHIA – Linsanity lives.

On his way up to the Garden for Thursday’s encounter with his old team, Jeremy Lin turned back the clock to a time when he was the biggest NBA story going. But even with his 34 points, 12 assists and nine three-point shots, a Wells Fargo Center record, Lin left Philly in a sour mood when the Rockets lost in overtime, 123-117, on Wednesday night.

Lin’s defensive woes, eight turnovers, and trouble making shots and winning plays in the fourth quarter and overtime weighed heavily on the Rocket backup, who was thrust into a starting role when James Harden sat out the game with a minor foot injury.

Lin sure looked gassed as he played 48:37, the most of any player from either team, but he wasn’t making any excuses in the visiting locker room afterward.

“I wasn’t tired, I was fine,” he said. “I’ve got to find a way to be more effective out there on the floor, especially with the game on the line. Normally I relish the fourth quarter, I love the fourth quarter. I didn’t find a way tonight.”

Lin had 28 points after three quarters, as the Sixers had no one who could stay in front of him. But over the final 17 minutes, he had more turnovers (three) than assists (two) and made only two of seven shots, as the Rockets were outscored. 43-27, in the fourth quarter and overtime.

No wonder he didn’t want to talk about his torrid early shooting from beyond the arc, as he made seven of his first nine three-point tries. He’s been the team’s top perimeter shooter in the first two weeks after spending his off-season working on his shot.

“Obviously, I’ve been trying to get better at it and I want to get better at it,’’ he said. “To be honest, it really dampens the mood when you don’t win the game.”

It’s been that kind of season for the Rockets. As they’ve tried to incorporate Dwight Howard into their team, they’ve become incapable of holding onto late leads. The fourth quarter has been their nightmare quarter, with defensive breakdowns and sloppy offense a running theme.

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“I’ve said it since the opening night: We haven’t played well yet this year,’’ Rockets coach Kevin McHale said. “We’ve really struggled, a lot, and in different areas. Areas that surprise me. Guys are just driving by us, making plays. We’re not getting stops when we need ‘em.”

Lin is among the Rockets who have been beaten in critical situations. When the Sixers sent the game into overtime on James Anderson’s three-pointer with 6.9 seconds left, tying the game at 106-106, Lin was the one who guarding Anderson.

“This is my worst defensive game of the season,’’ he said. “So I want to make sure tomorrow is my best defensive game of the season.”

Even off this loss, Lin can still expect a pretty good reception in the Garden. He is expected to return to his sixth-man role, with Harden likely to return to action for the national TV game.

As much as his fans will point to this game to say he can be an effective starter for a playoff contender, as he was for that magical month in 2011-12 when Linsanity reigned at the Garden, the backup role is better for Lin and the Rockets.

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With Harden off the floor, he can control the ball.

“I think he’s playing better right now than he did at any point for us last season,” McHale said earlier in the day. “He’s confident. His leg is healthy. He’s really been great for us all year long. He put in a big summer of work. His shot is better. We just need for him to do what he does: Attack, make plays and defensively be solid.”

Lin had a big following among the scant crowd announced at 11,671, but he doesn’t really expect New York to go bonkers for his return. He’s already been back to the Garden once since the Knicks didn’t match the Rockets’ $25-million offer sheet. And it’s not as if he’s his team’s biggest star.

“People have been asking, ‘You think it will be a big deal?'” he said. “I don’t really think so. I think people are going to be more excited, or there’s going to be a lot of attention around Dwight and James. They are the face of the franchise. I’m hoping I will be a subplot.”

In New York, he can never be a subplot. He’ll always be Linsanity.

via Jeremy Lin returns to Garden where he sparked ‘Linsanity’ craze across NBA – NY Daily News.