Jeremy Lin scored 16 points against the Los Angeles Clippers during the NBA Global Games in China. (Photo : Twitter/Jeremy Lin)
Newcomer Jeremy Lin has become the center of attention at the NBA Global Games in Shenzhen after scoring 16 points against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first of two pre-season games on Sunday.
Lin's team, the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 106-94.
This marked the 27-year-old's first NBA appearance in China. He was greeted by cheering fans.
"We're very happy to play the first-ever NBA Global Games in Shenzhen. Thank you for having us, fans," said Lin.
Regarding his performance, Lin said, "I think I've been able to get a lot of really good shots. Fluidity and motion, as long as I keep working on it, will get even better."
Lin is the first NBA player of Taiwanese descent.
Lin became known internationally in 2012, when he played for the New York Knicks. He also played with the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers before joining the Charlotte Hornets this summer.
Earlier, Xinhua reported that Michael Jordan, the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, called Lin the team's "biggest acquisition" of the team this summer.
"Really?" Lin said in reaction to Jordan's comment. "It's an honor. But it's still a little early, and I need to improve day by day from now."
Lin has also been complimented by his teammates.
"We push each other to get better every day. Jeremy is a very good player, so I've kind of learned some things from him," said Kemba Walker. "He is a great pick-and-roll player, and I can definitely learn some things in that aspect from him."
"We see each other in the locker room, and have some talks in the practice. He is a great guy, and I have the chance to learn from each other in the past couple of weeks," said newly recruited player Nicolas Batum about Lin.
The Charlotte Hornets will face the Los Angeles Clippers again in Shanghai on Wednesday.
