Linsanity Hits the Lakers at MSG

I'll admit I didn't buy into this hype through his first three games because I simply hadn't seen him play.  But now, wow....Linsanity is in full force, as evidenced tonight by Jeremy Lin's incredible performance at MSG to defeat the Lakers 92-85.  He matched Kobe shot-for-shot and had a remarkable 38 points and 7 assists tonight.  As many of you know, I've been down on the quality of play in the NBA this year, but this Linsanity might be the shot in the arm the NBA needs to get back on its feet following the lockout.

The remarkable thing about all of this is that it is rivaling Tebowmania.  Tebowmania, however, took weeks to develop as they only play one game a week.  These games were very dramatic and crazy, but Lin has done all of this damage in about a week's time.  Knicks fans are rejuvenated and they probably fear the return of star Carmelo Anthony because of what it may do to Lin.  But I think even Melo has to buy into the hype and let Lin guide this team and put his own personal agenda to the side.  Lin has a great basketball IQ and really made the guys he was playing with better tonight.  Jeffries, Novak, and company are nobody's, but Lin made them valuable tonight, valuable enough to beat Bryant/Gasol/Bynum.  This is the first time I saw Lin play, and I'm starting to believe this isn't all a fluke.  He is really big for a point guard and just imposes his will on the court.

Tebowmania had many slogans and phrases to live by, but Linsanity might even have more because the last name Lin lends itself to many rhyming words.  This whole Linsanity is becoming must-see television.  This is also great because it is with a big market team, the New York Knicks.  If Lin were doing this on the Hornets or Bobcats, it really wouldn't have as much impact as it does with him lighting up Madison Square Garden.  I am going to watch him play and see how this pans out in the coming weeks.  Lin, an undrafted player from Harvard, is a true feel-good story that makes people happy to see him doing so well.

Listening to his post-game interview, he seems like a really humble guy.  He gave credit to Jared Jeffries for his prowess on the offensive glass.  He didn't brag or take credit for himself, but instead focused on how his teammates and him were able to beat the Lakers.  He even showed respect for the Lakers and said he was just happy to get a win against a great team.  The Knicks were a mess a week ago, but now they may be able to move up in the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.

Let the Linsanity roll on.