Thursday, December 6, 2012

Rockets @ Spurs Game #18 Pregame Thread

JLin post practice interview:

http://www.nba.com/rockets/video/2012/12/06/ZOOM0001MOV-2317386

106 comments:

  1. I love how the reporter pressed Jeremy to comment on Sampson's backhanded diss (that he doesn't expect him to reach Linsanity levels ever again).

    Despite his calm demeanor, Jeremy seemed pretty annoyed by that...and that's GOOD. We need Jeremy to "Hulk-out" and play more aggressive. He finally has his strength and quickness back, and Harden is wisely letting Jeremy handle the ball more.

    Nice heavy schedule coming up this week...he can really gain some momentum. Remember: Jeremy was on an 4-game upward trend until the Laker game. He had cold games during Linsanity too (3rd Raptor game).

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    1. Jeremy Lin will simply have to develop a mean streak.

      Great players are often said to have a mean streak. That's what it takes to be great.

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    2. I have a feeling that Lin is pacing himself. He's never played a full season with 30-40+ minutes per. If that's the case it would be a smart decision so he doesn't hit that "rookie wall" any harder than he should.

      I am predicting a mean streak somewhere in the late second half of the season where he goes 20+ pts and 8+ assists for a stretch of 8-12 games, barring injury.

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    3. KHuang, I don't feel like from Lin's reaction, Lin is developing that mean streak. I have to say Lin will make a good husband, being so patient and all though. I would have said something like: "I dont' care what others say, I have a higher expectation of myself than what I did during Linsanity", rather than "That's what's good about my situation, they don't really expect me to perform like I did Linsanity." Using psychology, Lin should have realized what Sampson actually said is equivalent to: "We realized that Lin may not be as good as we hoped, so we don't want him to feel too bad and lose too much confidence, so we want to bring him slow."

      Who knows, maybe Lin knows all this shit, but is just biding his time.

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    4. OMG tell me everything guys, what happened? So Sampson said he doubts Lin will ever be as good as he was and the reported told Lin that and Lin got mad? Is there a Link? Thanks for letting us know zxcvb

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    5. Well you know what guys, maybe he wont be that good again this year but I doubt he wont ever be that good again. Actually im sure he will be that good or close to it soon, hes still just a rookie and has already proved he can play like an all-star. Honestly tho guys, he doesnt seem to fit in well with this team. Is it just me or would he play alot better on another team regardless if that team was better or worse? Take for example if he playewd on the poopy wizards, he would deffenitally get better stats. He just always gets stuck with a ballhog on his team and it really does effect him because he cant control his team when Harden has the ball 24/7

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    6. Khuang read my ^ Comment and tell me if you agree

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    7. No, I don't agree.

      Lin's a 3rd year player, not a rookie.

      He's getting his conditioning back from his knee, and he's learning the midrange game while being a good team player. Plus his team is 9-8 with him as a starter.

      Lin doesn't have the personnel to run pick and roll, plus he's getting double teamed every time he catches the ball. Lin has made the right reads and cut his turnovers down for WINS.

      I don't think Lin would get better stats at this point on the Wizards, not with him still regaining his athleticism. But the Wizards would be better as a team, especially since they have more talents than the Rockets.

      eb5attorney is 100% incorrect in saying Lin has no mean streak. How would eb5attorney explain Lin stomping around in a rage before the Lakera game after hearing Kobe's comments? What about Lin wanting to take on racist fans? How about the staredown of Knick hecklers of Jefffries. I'd like eb5attorney to explain how those events indicate that Lin doesn't have a mean streak and is not developing one.

      Sampson can doubt all he wants. But when Lin is playing well as he has been the last few games, Sampson plays him 40 minutes. Besides, the Utah anf Toronto explosions were Linsanity caliber games whether Sampson acknowledges it or not.

      So billy chung, I disagree with your assessments simply because Lin IS doing well and getting BETTER. But you are a Lin fan, that I can see.

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    8. What you think about the Knicks? Did they makeout well saving mobey to get 3 great pgs instea dof resign Lin who hasnt been good? What do you think? ALSO, how do you think there doing so far? They look good right? Also, Rockets play them on a back to back and will most likely lose, if they do how will you feel?

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    9. I nearly posted my thought aloud before, but I'll do it now:

      I would love to see if Lin could turn around teams like Sacramento or Washington.

      This season, Houston was supposed to be one of the worst teams in the NBA BECAUSE of Lin. Instead, they've been one of the better teams in no small part due to Lin's ability to elevate the play of his teammates.

      So when fans here are afraid that Lin will be traded, I just YAWN because he's gonna WIN wherever he goes just like he has his entire career!

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    10. They never said Houston would be one of the worst, thats rediculous man. They already had talent plsu 3 first round picks. Its the other way around, Lin is keeping them from being one of the best. Im not biased and I wont act like it just to praise Lin here, he hasnt been very good period. His offense is ugly, he drives it then suddenly just chucks the ball out everytime, its saqd to watch and his shot is way off, that air ball was embarrasing to the nba. How will you feel if they bench Lin and find a new starter? Now you know why i been pissed, because im not stupid Khuang, they will find a new pg if Lin keeps this up. Hes holding them back from being a real contender and his teammates just seem unhappy with him behind all the love they show him

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    11. I think the Knicks did very well in letting Lin go, billy chung.

      I'm happy that the Knicks have the players they preferred over Lin. I don't see Knick success as being an affront to Lin, nor do I see Lin success as vindication that the Knicks made a mistake.

      No team is perfect, and so I see potential danger spots for the Knicks. They don't have much quickness in the backcourt, so defending quick guards can be a problem. Plus the Knicks don't truly have penetration from their guards.

      The return of Amare Stoudemire may cause some spacing problems since he and Anthony occupy the same midrange space. My concern is that having one of those two in the midrange will allow opponents to ride up on the Knick guards and take away the perimeter shooting.

      In a certain sense, Lin's Rockets are the stylistic opposite of the Knicks. Lin's Rockets are a driving penetrating rim attacking team while the Knicks are a 3 point shooting rim kickout power team. The two teams are so different that I have trouble predicting the winner in matches between the two.

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    12. Well, billy, there were are lot of pundits who said and wrote that Lin's Rockets are a 30 win lottery team at best and that Lin was going to be an utter bust.

      So far, neither has been true.

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    13. Lin's not doing good?

      He's averaging 30+ min a game for a winning team with an inexperienced roster and a low payroll and he's "not doing good?"

      Billy, Lin is WINNING. Maybe he's not getting stellar stats like Kyle Lowry for that 4-15 Toronto team that Lin totally WHUPPED, but Lin's doing just fine.

      I keep saying that I can't be mad at Lin's performances when his team is winning and he's getting better.

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    14. There guards are probably even better on defense than they are on offense and are VERY QUICK so what do you mean? Ronnie Brewer is a great player who can score but is primarily known for his defense. Jr Smith is great at both offense and defense, gets many steals, very fast, etc. Jason Kidd, still very quick, very smart and gets lots of steals. Raymond Felton also gets his good share of steals because he is very quick.. for a "fat guy". Iman Shumpert, probably the best defensive guard on the whole team. And last but not least, Pablo Prigioni who is probably there 2nd best stealer but its all so close because there all good on defense so I think you were informed incorrectly on that part

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    15. "The return of Amare Stoudemire may cause some spacing problems since he and Anthony occupy the same midrange space. My concern is that having one of those two in the midrange will allow opponents to ride up on the Knick guards and take away the perimeter shooting. "

      First of all they're both forwards so dont expect them to compliment eachother like kobe and shaq but 2nd of all, they can both exist well together but its up to the pg. It takes a good pg which they havent had since billups which they were fine together then. As long as Felton involves them both, it would be fine, better then fine. They have depth now and other players who can score unlike last year when Chandler wasnt as offensive and Smith/Novak was all else they had.
      3rd of all, Amare will be playing off the bench. He has already announced it because it would workout best for the team if he does. There bench isnt your average bench, Amare will give them the best bench in the league

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    16. Think about it. When shump comes back, Brewer will go to SF, Melo at PF, Chandler at C and Felton at pg so that leaves ALOT of good players Amare gets to play with. Novak, Wallace, JR smith, Jason Kidd, Camcy, Copeland, White!! Just to name a few. They seriously are a dep team, im not gonna lie. That SG White they picked up vfrom the Spurs is clutch too, that dude does not miss a shot and great on defense. Copeland has HUGE potential and dominates against bench players. Amare will get double teamed playing the bench and will make opponents have to screw around with there normal rotation. Its gonna workout for them im sure

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    17. Yes, he's averaging 34 mins a game, even more many nights but we all know hes struggling Khuang, dont get me wrong because I like you alot and dont want you think we are argueing because were not, this is just sports exchange but lets be real, Lin only does good against weak defensive teams or teams on there doubl header's 2nd game and are tired, for example the Jazz who are both. They had 2 games in a row AND are the 2nd worst defensive team in the league after the suns

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    18. Not "all" of us think Lin is "struggling".

      I think he's doing JUST FINE.

      And you don't really believe that the Knicks are a "weak defensive team" just because Lin pretty much did whatever he wanted to against them in that 31 point defeat, do you?

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  2. - Harden told coaches he suffered an injury to his right big toe in the Lakers game
    - Parsons continues to be limited by an injured shoulder and did not participate in Thursday drills involving potential contact.
    - Asik is the latest Rockets player to be affected by the ubiquitous flu-like symptoms.

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    1. I don't know if it's the playing style change or not. But I am glad that Lin seems to be more healthy this season apart from his continued recovery of that knee injury. He even seems to get less bleeding nose or scars on hands this season.

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    2. @Cara:

      The playing style change is good for Lin's long term career. When he adapts his game to it, he will be just as good a player under the current style as he was under the old style.

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    3. Yes, he needs to adjust the system well because lots of teams are playing the style like Rox now. So, he really need to fit in well no matter he likes it or not. But I do think if he can do well with this system then he can do well with any team in the future.

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    4. I agree. I see that not being 100% due recovery from the knee surgery is a blessing in disguise because it forces him to master other PG skills and style that promote long-term career.

      Chris Paul's style also somewhat changed after his knee surgery to be less aggressive all the time driving to the basket. And remember Jason Kidd's comment that he can teach Jeremy his bags of tricks not to be in high gear all the time?

      I love Linsanity when it happened but he cannot play like that all the time and expect to have a long-term career. I expect he will evolve to a versatile PG who facilitates first and perhaps unleash Linsanity in the 4th quarter if necessary.

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    5. Never expected Linsanity numbers from Lin this season or even the next season. Will be satisfied if he gets 12 points and 8 assists and shows he can score without having to drive to the basket and get benched or plays reduced minutes. But it's funny to see how the expectation has now been lowered. At the beginning of the season, when I said Lin will get 12 points and 8 assists, people called me a hater, etc.

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    6. and you AREN'T a hater, eb5attorney?

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    7. Oh, you're definitely a hater. You predicted Houston was acquire a super high usage superstar and take the ball out of Lin's hands? Please, link me to that prediction.

      I don't think anyone doubts a coaching staff can dramatically reduce a player's touches and through repeated veiled messages in the media (and probably privately) rob a player of shooting confidence.

      Players don't go on "lucky streaks" like Lin had last year. You've heard of Nate Silver, I assume? The one whose been the most accurate forecaster during the last couple of elections? Look up his article on forecasting Lin.

      If Lin does not repeat Linsanity, it will be because of the organization, not because of his potential. That you refuse to acknowledge that is what makes you a hater.

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    8. KNICKS Fans will be watching Lin tonight like a hawk!! He cannot messup!!!!!!! Lets Go Lin!!!

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    9. No, I am not a hater. I am a Lin fan and often critical of Lin's play because I think he should try to make changes more quickly. I never predicted Houston would acquire a super high usage superstar and take the ball out of Lin's hands, although it would not surprise me if Morey would trade any player except Harden if he thought the other player would have a bigger positive impact. Some people sure love to call other people hater and racists. You can always blame the organization, etc., and there never will be any proofs for or against this kind of position. I want Rockets to give Lin more ball handling responsibility, but even when Lin has the opportunities, he's definitely more hesitant for some reason. We can argue about all kinds of reasons why, but no one knows for sure, except Lin. But from what he says, it seems to me, he's not all that pissed off, unless he's telling you otherwise in private. Hater, racists, know-it-all, all kinds of name calling has been bandied about in this forum. Just stick to your opinion without name calling. I can say I never called anyone names, and doing so, is the first sign of weakness.

      The bottom line: Lin will finish this season averaging 12 points/7 assists per game. Perhaps next season, after he improves his offensive skills, he might go up to 15 points/8 assists, then after that, no one knows. But I am pretty comfortable forecasting Lin's stats for this year and next year, assuming he stays in Rockets.

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    10. I'm still your fan, eb5attorney.

      Even though I STILL think you're a Lin hater who thinks he's a wimpy scrub and deeply dislike me and a lot of others who disagree with your negativity about Lin's game, I still appreciate your posts.

      I've not agreed with your belief that Lin doesn't have a mean streak, that he can never make an All Star team, that he cannot get any better than he is right now, that racists and haters don't attack him and his fans, and that you truly support Lin. But I'm not your judge.

      You can offer up negative opinions of me or others here. We can do the same for you. And I still actually LIKE your posts!

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  3. Spurs are a tough team, one of the toughest in the NBA.

    I don't expect the Rockets to win this game against the Spurs. The Spurs have a tendency to shut down dribble penetration and intercept opponent passing. Plus they're totally unselfish on offense and always find the open man.

    By the way, I consider the Spurs a "dynasty" during the Tim Duncan era.

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    1. Lin is going to do bad? Knicks fans will be watching him like a hawk!

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  4. I listened and saw the video, but I did not see Jeremy getting "annoyed" by the question. He seemed relieved that Rockets were not expecting him to play like he did during the Linsanity and accept that how he played during Lnisanity was his limit, although he did say he should play better than he has been. This all translates into this: Rockets coaches will be happy if Lin gets his 12 points per game with 8 assists, while improving his shooting percentage. And that's what we will see this season. As long as Lin does that, he will start next season, unless Morey does something unexpected.

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    1. No need to worry too much bro. If Lin does not get to start for the Rockets, he will start for someone else. This is a league where Derek Fisher still gets to be a starting PG lol.

      I would be worried about Douglas more if you were his fan. Past history of Ace Law, Johnny Flynn, Mike Bibby, Baron Davis etc told me that it won't end well for him.

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    2. @eb5attorney I find it hard to believe that the Rockets coaching staff or higher ups are or will be satisfied with JLin's status quo output. They're probably saying this from the vantage point of not wanting to put pressure on Jlin. I'm sure if JLin can contribute more and efficiently they would gladly take it. The Rockets are a game above .5 so there's really no sense of urgency. If they drop below .5 and consistenly play below that mark, something is gonna give. If JLin continues to play average or below average (in terms of offensive output), he will be moved. I really dont buy into all the talk Sampson, coach, or GM might say.

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    3. I think all the Morey or KS said just for PR. Of course they want Lin to play like Linsanity that's why they signed him for(part of the reason) but since he didn't shooting well now so they have to say that. I really think Lin should take this chance to practice for his 3 points shot as this is the trend in NBA now. Lots of new PG can do well in 3 points shot. So, if Lin can do that he can do well in any team.

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    4. Racha,

      Actually every Rockets player except Harden are on the trading block at all time regardless of their performance. You better bet that when they do plan to move Lin, they would hope that he put up better numbers to make him more tradable.

      Also, no need to worry about something yet to happen. Or even Lin gets moved, it isn't even that bad. Houston is never his 1st choice team anyway.

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    5. Racha, my point was this: You are probably correct (even though we are just guessing here), but the very fact that Lin is agreeing with what they are saying is sort of disappointing, when he should be saying: "No, I expect to play even better than I played during Linsanity because I am now more experienced and have a stable environment." That's the attitude I would like to see. So I agree with you.

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    6. I am just being selfish wanting Lin to play better, so I can enjoy watching him more, just because I feel I can identify with him more.

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    7. no worries, eb5. He'll be slowly improving as he regains his knee strength and confidence.

      And he's being smart not to brag that he can deliver Linsanity consistently (even though he believes that in the back of his mind) because why set the bar really high in the beginning? Anything short of that will be seen as a failure.

      The Rockets and he just wants him to be an above-average starter PG in the NBA in 2-3 years, anything above like All-Star will be sweet!

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    8. Whatever Lin's demeanor during interviews, we know from plenty of anecdotes that he is far more direct and fierce in private. There is zero chance he's not bristling at home.

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    9. Michael.. agree.

      And for all your believing that the coaches and front office is satisfied with mediocre play from lin? read this quote from Morey on whether the team would still have gone after Lin if they'd first acquired Harden:

      "Yeah, I think so. Part of Lin is we had lost [Goran] Dragic and [Kyle] Lowry. We felt Lin was someone who had played at the All-Star level before, albeit for a short window. That gives you some odds that he could be that good. Even though now we have James, a guy we can absolutely build around, we need to keep adding bets to get that second really top-end player and, again, they're not really given away, so you got to hope one of your draft picks makes it or one of your signings. And Jeremy's played at a super-high level before, so there's a chance he could play at it again."

      so of course they'd want for him to play at an all-star level. prob not today, this year, or next year, but they're hoping that he eventually would come close to that during his 3 years here.

      it makes no sense to pay him $8mil/yr and be happy with where he's currently at.

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  5. Getting into NBA is really tough and rough and hardest, but once in, and given the the opportunity and minutes, the sky is the limit. It's up to the player to make the most of it and with the good contract with the Rockets, Lin is already halfway there. Lin will eventually find his way to where he belongs vis-a-vis his skills and his teammates, but he lives a too sheltered life and he needs to expand his social life on and off season to include people that provide him a normal psycholocal outlet normal for a 25 year old alpha male. By suppressing his normal male testosterone production and function, the depletion of his hormones would severely affect his on court performance. He can't seriously leave it all to his deity, he has to seek help from a nutritionist for his diet, sports psychologist for his motivation, and he should go out and date and be in the real world. He would be happier and his on court performance will soar and likely to exceed Linsanity I.

    Lin is not a mechanical machine, he's a human being with the same needs and function.

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    1. The Knicks are going to destroy the Rockets next week... Its a back to back for the Rocklets and will be at the garden the 2nd night... They will think THEY ARE SO GOOD IF THEY WIN!!! OR IF LIN MESSES UP! And Knicks fans will be watching Lin like a Hawk tonight, he cannt messup... He cannot. They play good game last night, we have to come back and show ourselves!!!!

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    2. Go Knicks!!!

      Knick fans watch Lin like he's an Atlanta Hawk!

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  6. Tigeramus, once Parsons gets a fat contract when his K is due to expire, Parsons can introduce him to lots of girs. The way Parsons is playing, he might just become a bigger star than Lin, at least in Houston. However, having criticized Lin, I would give him some props if Rockets can make it to playoff this season. At least, he will get the playoff experience. If Rockets get into playoff, I might even try to catch his game live.

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    1. Given Lin's celebrity status and his good looks, he should have no trouble finding girls he likes to date on his own. Houston people are really nice and the girls, in general, are very nice, warm, and down-to-earth. Some might be on the naive side but they are pretty genuine. The problem is, that some christian fans, especially the Chinese christian fans, want him to be the chaste, celibate christian, the role model for their kids, and, I hate to say this, to give some of the guys who experienced deprivation a dose of parity with Lin because they themselves couldn't get hot dates. A lot of them are enjoying the ride with Lin by living a much larger life through the travails of Lin's Asian-American journey. Suddenly their hats no longer fit their bloated heads, and suddenly they have a forum and platform on blog like this one and many others, to showcase their hidden expertise and bottled up knowledge about basketball, oh yes, professional basketball, especially Lin's play, with the kind of absolute arrogance and superiority exceeding the likes of Stephen A. Smith and even the coaches. They get upset if you suggest and remind them that Lin is just a young man and a human being with normal physical wants and needs like every male his age. Lin's work and achievement are not a work of god or miracle, it's all his hard work done over the many many games since the day he first played basketball. The expectations are getting unrealistic because whenever Lin plays, the assumption is that god is with him and he plays for god. What happens if he loses, which he did aplenty, and what happens if he plays poorly which is quite often? God is no longer on his side or god is now favoring Toney Douglas or the other teams? For a devout christian like Lin, this could overload his head with self doubt that would ruin his game and drag him down below his capability.

      Lin worship is getting to look like idolatry to the point it looks more like some of the fans' own self idolatry.

      If Lin isn't having fun, his basketball journey will be bleak.

      Lin can have a fully engaged and fun social life some of the bloggers here would never in their wildest dream come close. I know they hate to see that because that aspect is one they could never ever live through Lin.

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    2. last i checked, the christian god cared first and foremost about his relationship with his followers, not whether or not his followers win basketball games.

      god is not santa. his role, according to christians, is not to give them nice things and bestow success that leads to nowhere (jeremy alluded to this during linsanity). his role is to save them and redeem their relationship with him.

      just because jeremy says he plays for god doesn't mean that he believe he will win every game. playing for god means playing to the best of his abilities every game and let the chips fall where they may. and lack of winning/scoring/super-stardom doesn't mean that god doesn't exist or that it will cause him to doubt god's presence in his life. does this POV makes sense to you?

      yes, he has worked very hard with what he's given. the key words are "what he is given". he certainly didn't work himself to be 6-3 and 200lbs and super quick. he certainly didn't work himself to be born into a supportive family that has the resources to allow him to pursue basketball. he recognizes all of this and that he meant when he attributes his success to god.

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    3. and what makes you think he doesn't have a social life and not having fun? he looked pretty happy to me in laker game even though he sat most of the time.

      i'm sure he has a social life that he's very happy with. i don't understand where people get this impression of jeremy being locked in his room and afraid to be engaged with the general public. just because he's not going to strip clubs with harden and blowing $20k on a hooker doesn't mean he's not having fun. geez..

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  7. JLin fans, don't expect Linsanity this year (but be glad if it comes)
    This year is his training ground to be an all-around-PG so expect some struggle as he learns new skills, new teammates.

    This is especially important for all JLin fans who are somewhat depressed seeing how Lin currently struggles and we're wondering if Linsanity was just a fluke. I feel for Billy Chung and other fans that too emotionally involved and got slandered by Lin haters in other boards. Please adjust your expectations and not get too up or down if Lin does well or not so well. Otherwise you'll be an inch closer to worship him, which is wrong and he himself does not want (listen to his testimony in Taiwan).

    Rockets coaches will be happy this season if Lin is improving his current ave. of 10.5 points/game with 6.4 assists/game while regaining full strength of his knee (up to 100% deceleration based on Morey's comment).

    If Lin is not improving in his all-around-PG skills (with or without Linsanity) in 2-3 years to bring Houston closer to the OKC 4 years path of getting to the Finals, all bets are off. Les and Morey as owner and GM will have to reevaluate if their investment in Lin is too risky and they should invest in another player who can help bring championship to Houson. But don't worry, Lin will be fine at other teams as he is a fighter.

    I actually believed from Lin and coaches said that Linsanity is a glimpse of his full potential with his current skills but they and he can't expect to play like that all the time without getting bloody nose, hard fouls and potentially more chances for debilitating injury (torn meniscus).
    I know GM and coaches can do double-talk but it's the little things and the consistency of their answers that will determine if it's the truth or misdirection. It's hard to lie all the time without mixing up the facts.

    Can you imagine that? If Linsanity shows what he is capable with his currently limited skill, how dangerous can he be if he gains new skills? He just needs to unleash Linsanity when necessary (during playoff or 4Q only).

    Again the keyword for Lin is longevity. And Linsanity is not equal to a long-term career in the NBA. If Lin plays 82 games this season with average PG score, he already proved that he can be an NBA starter for a full season! And that's a big accomplishment.

    If he gets a long-term injury, he'll only be a nice story without legacy in the NBA. So this tough time of him learning new all-around-PG skills can be frustrating but it's necessary for his long-term career.

    Let's all be patient, folks! Don't expect Linsanity this season but be glad if it comes. This year is his training ground to be an all-around-PG. Cheer for his persevering, tough, humble characters more than his Win-Loss record because that's what influence millions of people in the world.

    Hopefully it helps some Lin fans who are down and almost out thinking why Lin is not doing so well these 17 games.

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    1. Its the fact that the Knicks have been doing amazing and Lin has been not so good and evenj though we Know how good he is and will one day be, its that bitter taset we get in todays basketball knowing the Knicks feel satisfied and think they get last laugh!!

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    2. the Knicks gotta draw FIRST BLOOD before they can get the LAST LAUGH.

      Actually, I see no rivalry between Houston and NY. Both Lin and NY have moved on and are happy.

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    3. Thanks, Paxson!

      billy, if I can make a suggestion, don't tie your happiness to Knicks' losses and JLin's doing well. As fans, we can only root for Lin to improve every game.

      As for Knicks, they have highly paid All-Stars and veterans that are supposed to go deep in the playoff and contend for championship. Anything short of going against the Heat in the Eastern Final will be a failure. They're supposed to contend for championship this year or next.

      Houston has the youngest team in the NBA and noone in the right mind expects them to beat the Knicks record this season. If they can make the playoff with this youngest team when they failed to do so in the past 3-4 years, that would cause a celebration in Houston!

      Relax, it's only a basketball game. Win or lose, they all get paid millions! Just enjoy it.

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    4. Who the f care about what the Knicks do or not do? NBA is a business. Players get moved around all the time as long as the price is right. Stop being so dam involved emotionally man. Just move on. If you're a JLin's fan, then be a fan and support him through good and bad times. If not then find a different fan site 'cause this Knicks talk in a JLin's fansite is irritating the Jesus out of me.

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    5. Thank you sooooooooooo much ihoops!!!!!!!!!

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  8. I know what Lin is going through right now. As a devout Christian, he can't engage in pre-marital sex; it's a sin to masturbate, and physically, he's in need of all the testosterone hormones he could muster to play tough and demanding professional basketball in NBA. The phrase "use it or lose it" is apt here, and so he's in a conflicted psychological limbo with too many artificial denials that are hampering his game. Lin's competitive spirit will make him wonder how the heck Parson could far out play him and he couldn't play at his expected game level. And you could tell from his body language, he's somewhat worried that Toney Douglas will take his minutes away and might relegate him to the bench as team cheerleader. If things don't improve, Lin will have to make the decision between playing good professional basketball for a living or being a good christian to please his deity.

    Believe me his skills are there they don't go away easily. He just needs a pretty girl to whisper in his ears some sweet encouragement and his balls will drop and he'll soar... and it's Linsanity once again.

    I've been around longer than most of you here, and I can tell you, a man is motivated more by a woman he likes than by anything else, even god.

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    1. So you "know what Lin is going through."

      ....

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    2. Ha, ha, you should write an exotic novel: "His balls will drop and he'll soar".

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    3. Khuang just school you homeboy! Now listen up! Jlin one of the best so shut up! You probably a sad little Knicks fan who miss Lins skills. Without his leadership, the rockets weould fall apart! He might not score but he does other very important things so your wrong

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    4. First off guys, relax, don't get so uptight okay when it comes to Lin. We as Lin fans should also have so fun won't you say?

      Yes, I know what Lin is going through because I went through the same growing up pains under similar conditions, circumstances, and with church too. I'm not alone and many of you have similar experience too. We all have to make a decision at some point to be a fully independent and grownup individual with a mind good enough to think for oneself.

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    5. If he has another bad game tonight, you wont see me for AWHILE

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    6. Uh Tigeramus, you aren't an NBA PLAYA with several continents of female fans (including the North American one) giving you googly eyes the way Lin gets!

      That said, a lot of us can sympathize with you far better than we can sympathize with a handsome 6'3" NBA superstar like Lin!

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    7. Khuang, I'm not going to dignify your hyperbole to my honesty. Arem's you living a larger life through the travails of Lin?

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    8. LOL@ Billy Chung. Just go take your med bro. You really need it. Seriously, who in the world would care either you're on here or not? This is mind boggling.

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    9. No iHoopsAlot, we do care. Things like the current incidents like the nurse caring for Kate Middleton do happen.

      Billy you're taking the wins, loses and stats too seriously. None of this is a reflection of you personally. If Lin does well then great. If he doesn't do so well then rest assured Lin is still set for life.

      Anyway hope you stick around but be more relaxed.
      May your balls drop you soar.

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    10. I don't know why you guys still answer these kind of people... Don't take care and leave them to answer on their multiply google account...

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    11. HECK NO Tigeramus, I'm not living any sort of "larger life" through Lin!

      Nothing against Lin, but my own life is a lot more interesting to me than Lin's is. I don't idolize Lin or any other sports hero. But I do love Lin's team game on both ends of the court.

      Hyperbole? Actually, what I wrote here was the truth. I don't relate AT ALL to a NBA superstar like Lin, but I relate A LOT to a guy like YOU.

      I like Lin's game, but I'm not privy to Lin's personal life and don't want to be. I won't make any judgments on his romantic life because there's no way a "nobody" like me can relate to a "somebody" like him. Plus, I'm totally content and satisfied being a "nobody" and wouldn't want Lin's life and career over mine even if I could trade places.

      I like Lin's game. THAT'S ALL.

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    12. I'm off this month from work so I have a bit too much time on my hands. But Khuang, you are such a permanent presence here almost at all hours, I assume this is what you mean by "interesting life?" Don't you work and if you do, aren't you playing hookey?

      Of all the retired NBA superstars, how do you know I wasn't one of them???

      Yes of course you like Lin's game but like it better telling people you know more about professional basketball and Lin's play than anyone else. Makes you feel good doesn't it. Without Lin where will you be? Playing video games?

      Just because I want Lin to have some fun as a young 25 year old, I'm called a playa while I never even think you are good enough to call you a prude.

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    13. tigeramus.. by your rationale, lin must've had a whole harem last year in NYC!

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    15. Tigeramus, I'm actualy SO FRIGGIN BUSY that posting at all hours here from Lin is my release.

      And as far as "playing hookey" goes, many would say that my professional life is one big hookey session.

      If you're a retired NBA player, Tigeramus, you still wouldn't have the world impact on women's hearts that Jeremy Lin as the first modern Chinese Taiwanese American had. Maybe you indeed are a "playah", but Lin could make Wilt Chamberlain look like a celibate Shaolin monk if he wanted to (not that Shaolin monks are necessarily celibate...)

      The point is that none of us know what's going on in Lin's mind and a lot of us don't even care to lnow!!!

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    16. In NYC it was all a matter of "desperation." Lin was desperate to stay in basketball, D'Antoni was desperate because he had no point guard and on the fringe of getting fired, NYK fans were desperate for a win, and NY media was desperate for news to pump out. All the pieces were there at the right time for the right reason. Desperation sometimes begets spectacular results. When Lin started to invoke religion into his game, I remember telling my buddies while watching Lin on television that Linsanity will be a flash because I've seen too many similar situation when an athlete constantly invokes god, playing for god etc. Tebow is now a flash fact, and Michael Chang never won a grand slam after French Open. I sincerely hope it doesn't happen to Lin.

      I'm in the sponsorship industry and I had often told some pros to please focus on his game and stop talking about religion because it's distracting them from looking at the real cause of their performance drop-off. I'm still amazed at some of the confused stare and blank faze. I've seen too many.

      I hope Lin understands that god helps those who help themselves.


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    17. LOL... LOL.... Tigeramus, that's so ture!! everything come down to sex eventually.

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    18. "I hope Lin understands that god helps those who help themselves." that's so opposite of what the christian god is all about on so many levels but whatever.

      no, as far as distracting from looking at root cause of their performance drop-off, i can see how that could happen but i haven't seen that yet with jeremy. based on his work ethic and what we've seen, it's painfully obvious that he knows he needs to get better at shooting the ball and IS working hard at it rather than say "hey if god wants me to have my jump shot back i'll have it back!" i'm assuming this is what you meant...

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  9. Another thing I don't understand is why Lin is holding back. Not on the basketball but off court. He's already a celebrity, why is he turning down the opportunities, without hindering his schedule and practice, to appear in David Letterman, SNL, or other talk shows? He's not dating; he's not talking; does he need to live a life like a monk?

    If he's not happy it manifests in his performance on the court. Lin needs to go out and date, have fun, and mingle with fun and interesting people, and with his status it's easy.

    I know he wants it but he's still a mama and papa boy, doesn't want to disappoint his minister, his christian fans. Oh what the heck, Lin is a 25 year old millionaire; he should go live a happy social life as normal as a guy his age.

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    1. Good question, Tigeramus.

      What made Lin different than all other 25-yr NBA athletes who enjoyed the luxury of life, women, fast cars and fast money?

      If you're interested, read my blog entry on " What attracted people to Jeremy Lin's Christianity?

      But he already answered it in his own words:
      YOUTUBE: "The thing that I learned through Linsanity is that there's nothing in this world that can offer that will provide me with true joy, fulfillment and satisfaction. There is only thing that can truly and eternally satisfy you … that's Jesus Christ"

      Not everyone believes what he believes but you gotta respect someone who walks his talk, right? I'm sure he's not perfect but at least he works hard to live his faith as well as his basketball skills. Can't be easy for him to ignore sweet words from pretty women who will do anything for him!

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    2. Lin is different from other professional basketball players is due not entirely to his religion. It's due to his heritage, the heritage from his parents who raised him the way they were raised with or without religion. And Yao Ming is not a christian, he's just as good a moral person as Lin, so the premise that Lin's christianity attracts fans doesn't hold water. It's really your wishful one dimensional thinking typical of Asian christians. People are attracted to him because he's an underdog, a most unlikely underdog and people want him to succeed because he's so like one of us.

      Of course Lin will attribute his success to his religion, but what when he isn't? A professional at his level doesn't drop off in performance in such large measure in such a short time span even if you account for his injury. Something is amiss and I think all the whispers into his ears from his church and his christian fans are making him even more clueless and confused.

      He'll disappoint you at some point in time because if history is a reminder, we are what and where we are today when we got out of the "Dark Ages."

      Lin will at some point make a decision when he is no longer a one-dimensional young man living in need of constant feed of miracles. I respect Lin's religion like I do all who have a religion, but a mature Lin will make a decision which would render his religion irrelevant to his profession and I hope you too would respect his decision however disappointing it maybe to you.

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    3. "A professional at his level doesn't drop off in performance in such large measure in such a short time span even if you account for his injury."

      did you see the drop off in performance that dwill experienced and is still experiencing after he left utah for nets?? and we're talking going from UTAH to New York! by your rationale, he's probably having way too much sex.. too much so that it's actually having an adverse affect.

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    4. Tigeramus,

      You clearly underestimated Jeremy Lin's faith to be merely inherited from his parents.
      If you listened to his testimony, you would recognize that his faith is his own and how he attributed his success to the ten miracles that God has prepared for him to make Linsanity happened.

      And you simply ignored his recovery from knee injury and his inherent inconsistent shooting mechanic to be the main factors for his drop-off of performance.

      It sounds like you projected your own personal experience to be the next path that Lin will take to abandon his God when he starts to 'mature'. What if he doesn't? Would he consider him to never 'mature' and not being able to escape from his inherited faith and family? Or would you consider the possibility that you can be mistaken?

      If you care to listen to what Lin said in the end of the video, you will learn that he actually advise people to not pursue their own Linsanity success in the world (go to good school, get a great job, find a great job, spouse, have kids and repeat the same cycle again) because it does not bring true peace in our hearts. The answer is not religion but to actually to trust Jesus' words (however ridiculous it may seem to you).

      Think about it, billions of people said they get peace after knowing Jesus 2000 years later. If Jesus is not alive today, that must be a really big coincidence, right?

      Again God doesn't care about basketball or Lin winning multiple championships but he cares about people and their struggle. Even you and me.

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  10. I just hope thyeythey dont bench Lin because Rockets are good and deserve a great pg and Lin has been below average. His offense is ugly, he drives it and then chucks it out lol, thats all he does

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    1. billy chung, I'm trying to understand you but it seems you might communicate better in another language. Google Translate could probably translate it better in your native language than you would in English.

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    2. I'm enjoying Lin's "drive chuck" game.

      He's making the right reads and getting WINS.

      I wonder if the Rockets can win 50 games.

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    3. I think that is one of the main purposes of driving. If help defenders are drawn to block the layup, dish it to bigs or perimeter players left open because of help d.

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  11. ok, let's talk matchup with the tough Spurs.

    What are the keys for Houston to even have a chance against a disciplined, well-oiled old engine of Spurs?

    1. Can Lin contain Parker's penetration?
    2. Is there anyone in Rockets who can guard Duncan?
    3. Would it take a hot 3PT shooting for Houston plus bad game from Parker and Duncan so Houston has a chance to win?

    Personally, I think Houston will lose by 5-12 pts because the Spurs is too disciplined to make silly TOs (unlike Lakers) or have bad defense (Duncan is there) that Houston can capitalize. Parsons is also not 100% with shoulder injury. Also, Houston's defense has been bad.

    The best chance could be if Pop wants to stick it to David Stern and rest his starters again :)

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    1. To answer your 3 questions, I'd say "no no no".

      With Lin, I have no idea what to expect from him other than consistent defense and teamwork.

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    2. Well the match is tough but nothing's impossible :D

      In my opinion the dominant player in houston is Asik right now: he's rebounding everything and give confidence to the 3 point shooters.

      Asik will have difficult times against Spurs but if he wins the match just like against chandler there's a chance.

      It all depends by how healthy are harden Asik and parsons and if jeremy steps up.
      I don't know if there still are doubters about jeremy but all i know after the struggles he become much stronger... His favourite verse is about suffering too ... Maybe Khuang is right, all this adversity will make jeremy the perfect NBA player :D

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    3. :) That's what makes it exciting, right?

      It will be interesting to see how he and Houston coaches will try to solve this Parker/Duncan puzzle after the tough experience during the preseason game.

      My guess is he will try to make it tough for Parker to penetrate or make him run into Asik. Not sure how he'll get around Duncan's screen because he got burned multiple times this way.

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    4. Khuang optimistic :D

      Well if rockets are red hot and open the defence who knows ..? the other 2 is no no for me too :D

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    6. If there's a team against which isolation basketball actually works, it's the Spurs.

      Aside from Duncan who's still the best defensive (and offensive) player in the NBA, the Spurs are not great individual talents. Great individual scorers who can avoid Duncan in the paint can go off against the Spurs.

      Jeremy Lin is an "x factor" player. When he is scoring well, his teams are hard to beat. Can anybody think of an instance in the NBA where Jeremy Lin had a great individual game but lost the game?

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    7. yes, nothing is impossible @spotless :)

      If the Wizards can beat the Heat, why can't the Rockets beat the Spurs?
      Stranger things have happened!

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    8. Absolutely right, spotless and psalm.

      This is the NBA where anybody can beat anybody!

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    9. 1) If its one on one, yes. But with Duncan's picks, very difficult. Plus depends on the other PnR defender. Doesn't look promising. Interested in whether JLin has learned to fight through good picks.

      2) Rockets PF aren't exactly good defenders. Especially not PPat who presumably will play against Duncan the most.

      3) Hot three point shooting can produce strange results. But its rare. I don't think the Rockets have multiple streaky 3 point shooters.

      It seems like a win is a long shot. Perhaps if JLin is allowed to play like Stephen Curry or Brandon Jennings (and also shoot like them!), they may have a chance? But it seems like the Rockets have been pulling out some unexpected wins, so let's hope for the best!

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  12. Hey Billy Chung is this you? We didn't know you were some famous model!!!

    You famous Billy!!! You famous!!! We have a celebrity on our site


    http://www.123rf.com/photo_378164_portrait-of-a-young-korean-man.html

    http://www.ehow.com/how_6031308_teach-english-koreans.html

    http://www.ehow.com/list_7304347_korean-haircuts-men.html

    http://www.123rf.com/photo_378164_portrait-of-a-young-korean-man.html

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    1. I'm just glad Billy Chung is here offering his basketball knowledge.

      I like his posts.

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    2. more like a fraud disguised as a lin "fan" LoL

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  13. BREAKING NEWS:

    "Jeremy Lin of the Houston Rockets has just been sent down to the D-League affiliate, Rio Grande Valley Vipers after Coach Sampson believed that Lin could not dribble the ball. He will get evaluated again after the next game. Toney Douglas will be taking the place as starting PG for the Rockets, and the Rockets have also signed former Lakers PG, Sun Yue, from China to replace Lin as his successor. Whether Jeremy Lin will come back to the NBA remains to be seen. Reports from inside sources have stated that a few churches from the Bay Area has contacted Jeremy to become their Pastor."

    - Source: Foxx News

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    1. "Only 5 days from being terminated from his pastoral contract, Pastor Jeremy broke out and produced his first miracle to turn water to wine while baptizing babies. This leads to a string of 7 consecutive services in which drunken babies miraculously start draining 3 pointers using old diapers into the baptism pool. Viral videos spread throughout the Internet popularizing the new meme of "Linfant Baptism" combining baptism and 3-point shooting contest using dirty diapers."
      - Source:Foxxy News

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    2. UPDATE:

      "Jeremy Lin of the Houston Rockets has publicly spoken out about the abuses he endured by the Rockets' management. Lin claims that GM Morey threatened to intentionally make Lin look bad by preventing him to play his own style, unless he submitted to his fantasy of getting a massage and bath from Lin. Lin refused, and management signed James Harden shortly after. "Harden was willing to submit to Morey's advances which also included a "happy ending", and that is why he was awarded the max contract", Lin claims. This scandal will be investigated by independent detectives.
      -Source: Fex News

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  14. Nemo, not cool. Not cool at all. Especially with someone with high blood pressure.

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