Jeremy Lin (Photo : Streeter Lecka / Getty Images Sport)
Up against the best team in the Eastern Conference, Jeremy Lin delivered another terrific all-around performance to rally the Charlotte Hornets to a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.
With Kemba Walker sidelined with knee problems, Lin took his game a notch higher and dropped 24 points on 7-for-13 shooting and 8 assists against the East-leading Cavaliers.
Lin, in just his second game after tweaking his ankle in the game against the Utah Jazz, led a furious second half rally for the Hornets and scored six points down the stretch.
He even knocked down a crucial jumper with two minutes left in the game to secure the victory for the Hornets, which ended LeBron James' 21-game personal winning streak against the team.
It might just be a regular-season game, but Lin's performance against the Cavs will be crucial for his Sixth Man of the Year bid. The 27-year old combo guard is in contention for the year-ender award largely because of his excellent play off the bench.
Despite his big outing, the former Harvard standout never forgets to share the credit to his teammates, particularly Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who stepped up defensively against James in just his third game from shoulder injury.
"I can't say enough good things about him, man. I'm just so glad he's back. He does so much for us defensively, offensively. The thing I've been really impressed with is actually how he's been able to sustain consistent play for 37 minutes after not playing for so long. He's just a freak of nature," Lin said of Kidd-Gilchrist via the Charlotte Observer.
Lin, who is averaging at least 12 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds per game, is playing in the first of the two-year contract he signed with the Hornets in the offseason (although he has the rights to opt out from the second year of his contract).
After back-to-back wins, the Hornets are now one game below .500 with a 24-25 slate, just outside the top-8. The Cavs, meanwhile, are still lording over the East with a 35-13 record.
