Tim Hardaway Jr. and Mike Scott of the Atlanta Hawks collide with Jeremy Lin of the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo : Getty Images/Streeter Lecka)
Charlotte Hornets' Jeremy Lin has been one of the top performers off the bench as he is one of the main reasons why his team is facing the Miami Heat in the 1st round.
With expectations no longer at an all-time high, Lin capitalized on his opportunity in Charlotte as his career went off once again this season. He played the key sixth man role in Charlotte, who lacked scoring punch off the bench. Moreover, he proved to be a worthy back-up for PG Kemba Walker.
Once the off-season hits, Lin is expected to have a huge payday as he is now perceived as a solid NBA point guard. The 26 year-old point guard also said that upon his arrival in Charlotte, he feels more liberated and play using his strengths as a basketball player.
"I think I'm just in a different place, mentally, spiritually, where I'm able to enjoy this job more and more," Lin said in an interview with MyJAC. "The lows don't affect me the way they used to anymore."
Lin was integral during his stint with the Knicks after his "Linsanity" run, but he was nabbed by the Houston Rockets as GM Daryl Morey offered a contract very hard for NY to match. However, his All-Star salary did not translate to star numbers and later signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Also, his varying hairdo is one of the most talked about subjects during the course of the season. For Lin, he was just playing around and he is enjoying every hairstyle he has tried this season.
"It's taken on a life of its own, which I never expected," Lin said later in the interview. "I'm just trying to have fun with it."
Lin starred in their game three victory over the Heat as he contributed 18 points and four assists off the bench along with rookie Frank Kaminsky, who scored 15 points and also pulled six rebounds. Miami's cold shooting, inconsistent performance from key rookies Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson and better ball security were the Hornets' key to victory, according to SB Nation. Game four will be held in Charlotte.
Here are some of Lin's highlights in game three.
