He'll create a gameplan that will maximize his players on both ends of the court. The players, for the most part, have bought into Lin's coaching all season long!
The Rockets will come out improved next game. The young Rockets will be vastly more ready for next game, primarily due to Lin's COACHING.
As for "Coach" McHale, it must be irritating for him to have been relegated to "assistant" status.
Then again, Lin wouldn't have to coach at all if McHale understood and solved NBA defenses the way a NBA head coach is supposed to!
Anything will be better than the first game loss. However, I think there is a distinct possibility 2nd game could even be worse: OKC could actually play very well and literally "crush" Rocket's. I say this because I didn't think OKC played all that well during first game.
You are right (and I agree) that OKC does not seem to need Harden to play well, but by the same token Knicks are playing very well without Lin.
Part of the reason OKC didn't play well is because the Rockets did play a lot of great defense especially with Lin in the game.
Even if the score doesn't reflect it, the Rockets will play better simply because Lin will get them to play as a TEAM.
OKC is a team with two guys in Westbrook and Durant that can get so blindingly hot that no defense of any sort can stop them. Losing like that is not a dishonor.
What the Rockets won't do is come out meek and unsure of where to go. Coach Lin will see to it that they have a better idea of what to do next game.
I love Khuang's over the top exuberance, even when it is bordering the unrealistic!
Lin played like garbage. So did the rest of his team. Will they win this series? There is no chance in hell.
The good thing is if Lin rebounds in games 2-4, he looks great going into next season. If he stinks all 4 games, he can use it as summer motivation to really work on his game.
This young unproven team lacking in talent is now playing too tight. They did not play loose at all. Lin should go watch some GSW-Dallas to regain some swagger and provide some of it to his teammates. They are playing ultra tight...the entire team.
The tightness has to do with inept coaching. This team needs a Don Nelson to roll out the ball and let chaos reign. Mchale wants to reign in chaos but has no clue why he really want to do that.
On a young team like this, they should be coming in with Florida Gulf Coast Dunk City Swagger. Mchale's got them on pins and needles and they are going to get crushed over and over and over again. He's coaching them like vets or trying to get to Vet level when these guys are virtual unknowns.
I predict 4-0 or 4-1 at best and I believe Lin will use it to motivate himself in summer training. They will compete at home but get crushed on the road like all tight, inexperienced and unproven low seed playoff teams.
Yeap, I like Denver, you meant GSW-Denver right? As usual, I disagree with KHuang, although I do admire his confidence in Lin. OKC is the worst match-up for Lin and Rockets; I was surprised that people didn't see that. Yeap, definitely Rockets would do better against Knicks, but I am almost certain that Knicks would beat Rockets in a playoff.
In the regular season Rox also got crushed by 30 points. The next time they played OKC, they made adjustments. Specifically, I remember the guards playing off of each other a bit better. They only won by 3, allowed 119 points, were hot from three point range, and took Herculean efforts from both Harden and Lin.
OKC is aware of Rox three ball so I don't think they will be able to score 122 on OKC this time around. As a casual fan of the game I have no idea what concrete adjustments they should make. Never the less, I hope the coaching staff with the help of their player-coach make some sort of adjustment so that they can at least keep it competitive on Wednesday.
Khuang: because the Knicks are a joke of a team as you acknowledged yourself.
eb5: Dallas - GSW when #8 beat #1 when Lin was in college. That's the swagger the Rox need. They need to play loose and carefree, that's when Lin plays best.
Lin is a combo of a poor man's D-Wade due to less strenght&height&vertical leap / Steve Nash on steroids but with the kryptonite of a much crappier, less consistent shot / and a self described Dragic clone.
Lin knows what his strengths are - it's trying to wreak havoc and chaos all over the court trying to do too much. It's far from perfect basketball but that's how Lin plays. He needs to play that style of game in this particular series. It's the antithesis of what Mchale wants and it's the only chance in hell this team has to even be competitive right now AND Harden has to nail shots and score 30 a game to boot.
Lin is a volume play maker who gets limited touches to make plays on this team. He isn't good always in his efficiency so he relies on volume to make up for his bad plays till he can catch a hot stretch. But on the Rox, once he makes the bad plays, he stops getting touches or gets tentative or both so his inefficiency is highlighted for all to see and hence the "exposed" talk.
Granted Lin has tons of room for improvement from a shaky handle, lack of 1 on 1 moves, to questionable creativity and variety to his game, but Lin luckily is a top level athlete sans an elite vertical.
He needs to put his head down and play some ugly ball going toe to toe in a physically gruelling showdown against Westbrook. Lin doesn't have enough actual bball skill to win any other way right now, with his limited touches. Lin will have to rely on pure athleticism and heart to be competitive this series.
He's not going to get the touches to do what he did to John Wall & effect the game flow like when the Knicks played Wizards last year. So Lin has to do what he tried to do to Steph Curry in Oakland the 2nd time around by just playing all out and just putting his head down and going hard right with few variations to his game. It's ugly but effective enough if Lin is committed to it.
If jeremy plays good in playoff people will realize he's a pretty good player; If he doesn't Morey will trade him cause he'll think he's not worthed that money. It's a win - win... Is it right Khuang? :D
On my previous answer that if Lin plays badly during the playoff, it will be a lot more difficult to find new teams which will offer an opportunity to Lin to play like a true PG?
A "true pg" is a "true pg", no matter what position he is assigned on the court.
Lin's always going to be a stellar floor general on both ends of the court. He could be played at center and he's still going to set guys up and call plays.
If teams are dumb enough to limit Lin, LET THEM. He'll force his role on the court anyway because that's what great players do.
Since Morey and McHale went out of their way to DE-HYPE Lin during the regular season, they are doing the same thing in the nationally televised playoff games. Lin better somehow rise to the occasion and play well as a spot-up shooting guard role.
I think that even if Lin doesn't do well in the playoffs (I'm predicting he doesn't, neither will any of his teammates), he is very tradeable: His agents can present all the facts with great arguments. Beside, many league general managers and coaches now know. But people have short memories and they will have to be reminded.
Swap Lin and Dragic! The Suns thought they put together a contending team, and on paper they should have been. So the Suns are open to overhauling the team. A great time for Morey and McHale to get back their precious Dragic boy! Get it done Morey. Whoo hoo poodle doodle plop plop!
Lin to the Suns, Jazz, or Magic. (No to huge market snubs).
I just realized something. Both Lin and Dragic improved their plays during the 2nd half of the season. Where as Lin's was due to his knees getting getting more fully healed, Dragic's coincided with the Suns' hiring the brand new rookie coach, Lindsey Hunter (who was a player in the NBA just 2 years prior as a POINT GUARD!). I'd *LOVE* Lin to play for coach Hunter! Hunter's intelligence and coaching is vastly superior to McHale's. I know it's a small sample to go by, BUT I JUST KNOW. Mark my words and watch. Hunter just needs a 50% overhauled team to contend next season.
I am way too absorbed into hoping for JLin - its like, not healthy.
As I wash dishes, drive in the car, sit on the can... I am thinking, what is JLin doing now? how would I split the trap? why did he try that x-court skip pass? how can he beat their rotating D? will the Thunder continue to dare him to shoot? what would I do if I got past Westbrook and then I see Ibaka and Perkins?
Anyway, here's to pulling for JLin to have a monster game on Wed!
That x-court pass was just venting his frustration to his teammates. He shown if you cut, that ball is yours to score. KD was NOT looking at Parsons at all.
Someone in the previous post said that Lin has trouble guarding Dragic.
Huh?.... 3 out of 4 times, Lin had absolutely no problem handling Dragic. Dragic scored in bunches against Beverley. The times when Lin "struggled" against Dragic were when in the 2nd half (or in the 4th quarter) the ref definitely decided to favor the struggling basement dwelling home team (or help the Lakers in the standings). Lin plays against Dragic so well that in the 4th quarter in Phoenix home games, Dragic routinely hard-fouled and flagrant-fouled against Lin that referees didn't call. By now Lin better realize that Dragic takes him personally - and DO THE SAME to him now on, or be branded a pushover or worse, get seriously injured.
But the last game those two teams played in Phoenix (an important game for the Rockets), the whole Suns team were on fire to play spoilers because so many key Suns players were last year's Rockets who wanted to show home fans a good time; and they also wanted to prove that they aren't as bad as they looked, now that they have a lottery draft pick guaranteed. The Suns wanted to win much more than the Rockets. The whole Suns team played excellent in that game, particularly Scola. Dragic played well - in fact he played well the whole 2nd half of the season - but don't forget that he plays PG and all their offense goes through him.
In the first Suns home game that I attended, Lin completely shut down Dragic for 3 quarters until the refs (specifically Joey Crawford) started calling fake fouls on Lin to protect Dragic.
In the 2nd Suns home game, Dragic came out with his max speed and effort. Even so, he only beat Lin on one play and needed all those Scola picks to score against Lin. Dragic did NOTHING against Lin for the rest of the game.
I was also surprised at how easily Lin got by the entire Suns team. One or two dribbles and the Suns were riding Lin's back. Nobody could stop him, and even the double teams didn't really work.
As to the first Suns home game, if Lin had played for any other team, I bet they would have shown the tape to the league office and lodged a complaint. SMH.
No wonder Dragic hacked, chopped, hip checked, elbowed and bloodied Lin in the 4th quarters.
Lin needs to not only payback dirty players, but he also should initiate dirty plays once in a while to show that he's not intimidated by any players. But don't completely stoop to their level: Stay away from flagranting any players.
Jakemaverick, you are funny. I don't think about Lin at all until I start watching the game and then yell when he does well and cuss when he plays badly. It's just a way to relieve tension (hobby) for me. The closest analogy is let's say you are playing blackjack. You see one card face up -- A (Linsanity) -- and 2nd card may be either 2 or 8. But more and more it feels like the 2nd card will not be 10 -- but I am still holding onto hope. I agree with Solid's post where he said many people are Lin's fans because they believe or hope that Lin can be an All-star, not because he's an Asian-American or a Harvard graduate or a Christian. I could care less NOW that he's a Harvard graduate or a Christian; and I would follow a fellow Asian-American NBA player just very casually, not like I follow Lin. The very fact that I am still following Lin is an indication that I still have a hope of his BB game. I will definitely be sad to give up my hobby, but I am not ready to give up yet, and I hope to have a Lin hobby for long time. But if Lin plays badly this Series, I will have to give up my hobby and start watching UEFA soccer more.
Dirty secret: I've BOOED Lin when he's made great plays against my hometown Phoenix Suns! People who attend the games with me laugh their butts off when I boo him!
People need to stop pressing the panic button. Lin will be fine, he just played his first playoff game of his career against an OKC defense that was geared to shutting him down. The guy is a true student of the game and I guarantee he's looking at film right now learning of his mistakes.
A lot of you forget that Lin is still a young player, not a seasoned veteran that's been through countless playoff games. The fact that Lin is even in the playoffs in his first season as being a starter is amazing.
Just look at this moment as growing pains for his obvious bright future in the NBA.
Come, come. Being happy over making the playoff is over and done with. It's time to play with confidence and leave everything on the floor and not go softly into that good night without at least a good fight.
@eb5attorney, yes but I think many people have unrealistic expectations of him. Many great players in the history of the NBA have struggled mightily when arriving in the playoff scene for the first time.
Let's cut him some slack, he's human just like the rest of us.
Albino, agreed, but here's my stance on that. Lin, the main player in the drama called Linsanity, should know better than anyone that he should not doubt his BB ability and faith in God. Therefore, given what he has experienced and achieved already, he should really play with utter confidence. I just don't understand. That he doesn't trust his ability and play without swagger is what pisses me off. This playoff is nothing compared to what he has gone through.
Hey Albinoswordfish and eb5attorney, let's not forget how everybody's point guard greatest American hero of all time Chris Paul had a HELLISH series against San Antonio last year.
The Spurs did what so many teams do to stop Chris Paul: put a rangy 6'6" defender on him and dare him to shoot over the top. Danny Green just shut down Chris Paul last year.
Chris Paul has had his share of playoff games just like the game Jeremy Lin had yesterday.
But see, a bad game from Chris Paul is just a game to be shrugged off while a bad game from Lin casts "doubt" on his entire career and legacy and status of all Asian Americans on earth and beyond!
Simply put, no matter what Lin's BB ability is at this moment, I want Lin to play more like Bev, with some confidence. If you are going to lose, you might as well lose with confidence, you know what I mean?
Come on, CP3 played well in a lot more playoff games, whereas Lin's playoff ability is not proven yet: Lin had one playoff and he played one of his worst games. Now, if Lin plays decently in the remaining games or very well even in one playoff game, I am nto going to hold one really horrible game against Lin.
You want Lin to be greyhounded like Bev? Or to make dumbass plays like Bev? Or to be left unguarded because Bev can't make basic plays?
I think you've been listening to your ignoramus friend who hasn't watched the NBA for 10 years too much. He's gotten into your head and you're sounding like an IDIOT!!!!
I would never want Lin to play like Beverly. The reason why Beverly is able play "free" or whatever is because OKC isn't loading up on him. Lin is getting double teamed off every single PnR because they want the ball out of his hands. There is no game plan to stop Beverly like there is for Lin.
He just needs to play smarter and handle the double teams better. All the shots he took were good shots they'll fall eventually.
No no no, please do not play like PB. You just do not going backward. Most of us wanted McHale to trust Lin, we should show the trust 1st. Looking good on the floor is not equal to playing good on the floor. Lin struggled, he will get better.
Lin can learn a lot from Bev, in that with his limited ability and lower ceiling, he still exudes confidence on the court, even if he has a lower ceiling. Bev doesn't get his mistakes let him down too much. Lin has to adapt during the game; he can't let his missing shots mess up other parts of his game. If people can't see this, that's too bad. Like I said, the playoffs is where you make your name.
I think all eb is saying is that he wishes Lin played with more confidence like Beverley did.
It looks like Lin was pressing too much and it led to uncharacteristic TO's and missed shots.
This is the second time that Lin has faltered under pressure in a big moment. I think he plays his best when he doesn't put so much pressure. If there is any time to let it go, this is the time. Noone is expecting the Rox to beat OKC so Lin should play without worries and let the game come to him.
Yes, Solid, thank you. That's what I am saying, and I thought I made it clear. Geez . . . If you want me to make it more clear, what I am saying is Bev obviously has a lower ceiling and not as good court vision than Lin; but I like Bev's knowing what he can do and what he cannot do and being confident in what he can do. Does anyone have a problem with that? If so, that's too bad.
Disappointment certainly follows when you have unmet expectations.
@eb, take a long breather :D It sounds like you have unrealistic expectations that because Lin has confidence in his BB ability and faith in God that he would certainly not fail due to his inexperience.
Lin certainly struggled with making risky passes that he shouldn't have tried and breaking traps so he knows that he needs to get better. Nothing wrong with admitting he struggled in his playoff game, or his 2nd and even 3rd.
What's more important is to see how he bounces back from failure and not giving up.
I'd rather him experiencing the normal struggle of NBA players then overcome them than experiencing miraculous game from God that no other normal people can relate to.
Let's enjoy his journey to overcome his struggle and hope for the best.
In some sense, I can sympathize with Mac's shaking his head at Lin sometimes, because with Bev, you know what you are getting. With Lin, you dont' know if a superman or a scrub will show up at a game. No wonder Mac doesn't trust Lin. After seeing Lin develop gradually during regular season, I thought for sure, Lin was going to play at least an average game, make few shots and control the tempo and cut down on wild plays. It's not like he didn't play OKC before. I really blame Harden for this game because he knows OKC and he has the most playoff experience.
Psalm, I am certainly going to watch the 2nd game primarily to see if Lin can bounce back and make adjustment. If he plays horribly again, no more NBA watching for me until the final two games of Finals, as this is causing stress instead of relieving stress. :) Lin will still probably become an above average starting PG especially during the regular season, but that excitement will be gone for me. Look, as you know, I don't have all that great expectation of Lin in terms of thinking Lin is a franchise player, but I really thought Lin would play more smartly, now that he had one full season.
villareal's youtube post-game analysis actually did a great job breaking down his struggle and concluded it's good that he struggled so he knows he needs to be angry, focused and got better. if you listen to it, you'll feel better.
For me, I'd have lower expectations that he still had to work through when to make risky passes and not do it. To be fair, the shared PG role didn't give much experience in a full season to exercise judgment on when to not make bad passes.
With the global following that he had, all players would definitely have a go at him to make him look bad.
I'm prepared to see him bounce back with more intensity but still had struggles.
I'm just concerned that some of us see him as a Top 5 or 10 PG in his first playoff game when he clearly was not. He has the talent but not the experience yet.
I'm ready to cheer even when he struggles mightily in the whole series. I always enjoy the journey of fighting back to get better.
eb, you are the worst of Lin fans. If he doesn't prove you wrong in the next couple games, you're not going to be excited for him or root for him the same?! GTFO. Stop imposing your weird ass insecurities on him.
You expected him to play better in the playoffs after one full season? Oh God. Also, just bc Lin believes in God and his natural bball talent, doesn't mean that he's automatically going to play well and be above the struggles that other NBA players go through. God is not a freaking wizard.
I don't know what it is. Some of you have the worst insecurities.
Are you an idiot? I said time and time again, I don't have very high expectations of Lin like yourself. All I expect Lin to do is to not play panicked. What have you been reading?
"God is not a freaking wizard." That cracks me up. Isn't he supposed to be greater than a wizard, if they both exist? So wizard can make Lin play better, while God cannot?
Your twisting people's words is making you look silly, KHuang. And I dont' like Knicks either. Isn't it funny that scrub is playing with more confidence, when he shouldn't feel confident? That's why I like Bev. Lin has a lot more reason to feel confident, I agree. That's my point, silly.
JLin right now isn't a finished product, so there would be ups and downs. We've seen both Linsanity levels of play and really poor play like last night. As fans, we just have to remain patient and not get too high or too low regarding expectations at this point of his career.
For those JLin fans that couldn't take the "downs" and gets really upset to the point that's bad for their health, maybe it's a good idea to stay away from the NBA until JLin gets a lot better in 1 or 2 years lol.
Jeremy Lin has a long bloody track record of bouncing back from humiliating defeat.
Bouncing back from this playoff game is EASY compared to the rough ride Lin's endured just to get to this point!
You and I have watched Lin overcome every kind of adversity. That's why I'm placidly sitting here enjoying the game and anticipating what neat coaching tricks Lin's got up his sleeve.
Yeah, but I think some fans want to see him perform like established all-star PGs right now, and I think it would take a few years conservatively to get to that level.
Oh, you mean like Chris Paul having a horrendous series against the Spurs or Derrick Rose struggling against the Heat or Tony Parker struggling against the Thunder?
I do not define Lin's missing open shots "horrendous". But to be fair, you don't see CP3 make certain types of panicky and hurried passes. So, please let's not make this kind of comparison. Everyone knows anyone can miss 10 shots in a row. Melo can do it, Kobe can certainly do that. But you and I know that's not equal to having a "horrendous" game. It's other aspects. Even if Lin had made let's say 3 out of 8 shots, I would still say Lin had a horrendous game because of other aspects or lack thereof. Like Lin said, he did not seem shaky shooting those shots; he just missed. What can you do?
Right Khuang. No one expected the roxs to win a single game and even worse they got no game plan so they get more exposed. Lin 1/7 is no different of harden and Parsons' poor shooting.... He'll bounce back but it's playoff guys, and Okc are top seed. Keep in mind...
It's better for Lin fans to have realistic expectations for Lin in his first playoff series than getting disappointed of expecting All-Star numbers.
One positive thing I got from villareal's video was that McHale sticking by Lin even during his struggle and his bench time was due to his foul trouble. So at least McHale knows he'll sink or swim with Lin, Harden and Parsons.
Don't go too far on the Knicks, buddy. The Rockets dominated the Knicks, true, but the Knicks did very well against nearly all the other Western conference playoff teams. The only western conference playoff teams that swept the Knicks were the Clippers and Rockets. Also, the Knicks swept the Spurs and when they went 1-1 against OKC, they only lost by 1 point.
Keep in mind: the Knicks had major injury problems this year. NONE of their starters reached 70 games, and a lot of their backups missed major time too. Pretty much the only ones who didn't were Novak and Smith. Amare Stoudemire has hardly played, and by the end of the season the Knicks were reduced to getting guys from off the street to play minutes at PF and C. Had the Knicks been anywhere near healthy this year, they win 60 games easily.
It may not be a popular sentiment in these parts, but Melo and Woodson earned their money this year by getting to 54 wins despite all those injuries. And another thing: even though the Heat will make quick work of the Knicks in the conference finals (though if the Knicks were healthy they would have at least made it competitive but still ultimately lost) the Knicks won 3 out of 4 against the Heat during the regular season. The only loss was by 6 points in a game that the Knicks led most of the 2nd half.
If the Knicks could only get out from under Amare Stoudemire's contract, they'd have a shot at going places.
It's one thing to beat up on bottom dwellers like Charlotte and Cleveland and Detroit and other Leastern Conference teams.
It's another thing to face tough Western conference foes night after night.
Having lived on both coasts, I am all too aware of how the Knicks have a much easier schedule than anybody in the West. The Knicks aren't getting bashed around by Western Conference behemoths every night, so they can have their legs and concentration to really step up against the good teams. They would not have that if they had to constantly play good teams the way Lin's Rockets do.
The Knicks have an All World frontcourt that when healthy can compete against anybody. It's the backcourt that is the problem. Lin would singlehandedly have solved those backcourt woes, albeit at a crippling luxury tax price.
As much as I want the Knicks to fail, u have to give them credit. They are playing well.
I think Jeremy would've suffered a similar fate had he stuck around. Melo has been playing superbly as of late.
The way that team is built, I don't think they necessarily need Lin- especually not at the price of luxury tax hit. It really looks like the trio of Kidd, Felton, and prions are doing a serviceable job and I'm sure the Knicks fan are happy to see Lin fail thus far in the playoffs.
Too bad though. Their little run will not last long.
Melo's getting a scoring title, coming close in the race to MVP and Woodson in the hunt for the COY -- that's not a little accomplishment. That's huge accomplishment that should be acknowledged. I see a contradiction or unfairness in saying OKC is good without Harden, while saying Knicks are not good without Lin. You gotta be fair.
Knicks have a better chance to win their Conference than Rockets have a chance of making it thru first round. As much as I don't like Melo's style of play, I have to say he is better than Harden, offensively and defensively. Melo can actually score from everywhere, even without getting foul calls.
When I said "I don't like Melo's style of play", I meant defensively. I love his and JR's offensive game; the way they create room and quickly shoot the ball, it's beautiful to watch.
JR Smith just won the 6th man of the year; that's not a little accomplishment. Say what you will about JR, but he can give you points quickly against any defense. Melo and his sidekick JR is a formidable offensive threat against anyone, even OKC. No question that Rockets matches up better against Knicks than OKC, but don't tell me that Rockets are a better team than Knicks; that's a laughable assertion. They can be competitive against any team.
Rockets lost two most important games against two mediocre teams, so Rockets are better. Knicks lost against Rockets when those games were not important, so Knicks are worse. duh . . . .
If Lin would have stuck around, Knicks would be #1 eastern conference not Miami.
JLin > Felton by a mile.
No one could have foreseen what Knicks planned on doing this year. Way they played their PGs its exactly the type of game Lin is suited for.
How wrong was I that Rockets are better for Lin, yes Knicks locker room was toxic to Lin, but gawd, Rockets coaching and FO is toxic to Lin on Rockets!
But Lin will make the best of any situation he is in.
Yeah beating Miami is no small feat, Knicks deserve some credit. Rockets stood 0 chance vs Heat, while Knicks beat Miami 3/4 times this year.
Yes you can say "Oh Knicks suck because Rockets swept them twice". Well its paper-rock-scissors, some teams are just better suited to beat certain teams. But any team that can beat a #1 conference team 3/4 times deserves some credit.
This is a wasted year for JLin, just like he wasted away a year sitting on the bench for Golden State. He's not getting any closer to being an All Star player for the Rockets ... the Houston offense is like Elementary School, Harden is making all the plays, nothing new to learn here.
After this season, 2 scenarios: Mchale gets fired as coach, or management blames every failure on Lin and trade him. Either way, Lin has wasted a year of his development for McFail ... and Linsanity is not getting any younger.
Neither is happening. I'm sure of it. Short of McHale coming out and saying racist things, he will get another year. Morey will see how much Lin improves the second year before thinking about trading him .
But I agree. This year was a waste for Lin. I expected him to lead this team as the playmaking all star. All he became was marginalized role player.
I share similar sentiments about this being a wasted season, but for slightly different reasons. I think he did learn something new, just not exactly what he needs to learn. Did he improve on role player skills this season? Sure. But that wasn't what this season was supposed to be about. This season was about further establishing himself as a franchise type player.
I'm not even sure whether Lin will get traded. It does at times seem like they are grooming Bev to become the future guard. But at the same time, that may be explained by the fact that they may just have little confidence in Lin and thus have to resort to Bev. I do not think they have any particular hopes to promote Bev to become a starter.
If Lin doesn't get traded, I actually think McHale will trust Lin more next season, for the simple fact that McHale will have (a teeny bit) more respect for Lin's experience, JLin having gone through a season and a playoff series. After all, McHale at the beginning of the season doubted the players' commitment and ability to execute on the ground that they were so green. By the end of the season, McHale seems to have acknowledged the fact that the guys have come a long way and have done or at least tried really hard in doing what the coaching staff has asked of them. That to me is a sign of further respect for the young players, which (I hope) includes Lin.
If Lin stays, I can imagine more chemistry between McHale and Lin. It won't be as bad as this season.
Good perspective wiic. Maybe if they both stay they will have to trust each other for the simple fact that they are stuck in this together at least for the foreseeable future.
I think they are high on bev and I wouldn't be surprised , especially if bev continues to play well in the playoffs and Lin continues to struggle , mchale declares that the pg job is up for grabs next season.
But at this point, Lin can only control what he can. And that is to work on being a more consistent shooter. To me that is his biggest weakness especially in this type of offense.
@Lydia, I figure if they work together long enough, Lin will gradually be moulded into what McHale wants out of a PG, and so Lin's evolved game/skill set will become less repugnant to McHale as time goes on. Plus, as a veteran former player himself, I think McHale puts a premium on experience, which Lin will have a bit more off after this season.
@Solidz, I agree there are other signs pointing to them demoting Lin. I remember hearing some news Morey again scouting an overseas point guard when they already have a good back up in Brooks.
As for shooting, I'd say his first priority should be improving on finishing that floater in the paint, which Doc also pointed out. The percentages say that Lin: - is good at finishing at the rim (61.3%), - can do better from 16ft to <3-pt (41.3%) and from 3-pt (33.3%), and - has a particular weakness around the paint area (3 to <10 ft 31.8%, 10 to <16 ft 22.7%)
He is as efficient this year scoring with eFG% 49.0% compared to 47.8% last year. He also slightly improved his 3p%, 33.3% this year compared to 32.0% last year.
His jumpshot% has actually gone down this year at 34.0% compared to 40.2% last year. This is explained by having to shoot spot ups this year compared to shooting off the dribble last year (which the %ass'd of jumpshots show: 53.4% jumpshots were assisted this year compared to 27.3% of jumpshots were assisted last year).
But again, despite lower overall jumpshot percentage, his eFG% has improved slightly, which probably reflects his improved 3pt shooting. His eFG% isn't great, but isn't too far off compared to the Beard's (49% compared to the Beard's 50.4%).
A caveat to his shooting this year is that Lin was recovering from knee surgery. I'm sure his percentages have been better since, for example, the All-Star break.
He does have lots of room to improve on his jump shots because in this system most of them will be assisted e.g. catch and shoot.
Wiic..for me, the most important thing that Lin must improve is becoming a more confident shooter - especially the catch and shoot. It is really annoying when Lin is wide open and he hesitates. I think doc pointed this out as well.
I don't think he'll ever be curry comfortable, but he gets so many open looks un the course of the game that he just needs to let it go with confidence, without any hesitation. Developing a reliable outside shot will vastly open up his offensive game. For me, this is key..
since the miami debacle, i haven't seen any ball handling improvement or avoiding/beating traps.
and he's still driving recklessly INTO traps by himself, and compounding the issue by throwing terrible passes. i don't know what to say. would've thought he'd be waking up every morning with a mission to stop doing that, but clearly i was delusional.
Exactly, ntt. I am not disappointed at Lin's missing shots; I just don't see improvements in the areas you mention. My mouth literally dropped to the floor, and I don't easily get shocked.
Well, same thing about that defense happened on CP3 as well this season. It did not turned out good either. I agree he did not improve in this regard tho. However, even All-star PG will have problems with that kind of defense anyway.
he basically took the half-time segment on ESPN ('driving into traps') and pawned it off like he was thinking for himself. it's not the first time athletic defender teams like miami or okc have trapped a good ball handler and made him cough up the ball. if you watched other teams and games, you wouldn't think it was such a singular event.
more to the point, if you need the larger public to praise Lin in order to justify why you follow him, then perhaps you shouldn't be following Lin. if you don't see for yourself that he's a very talented player irregardless of how he is talked about in various media, then there are surely better things for you to do than being his fan.
It's like a gambling addict telling another gambling addict "you shouldn't gamble too much." Come on, be serious. Anyone who checks this site often is addicted to seeing how Lin plays BB game, the drama and related stuff. This is a damn internet; if you can't express your disappointment and anger here, what the heck you doing here?
I am not telling anyone to not be disappointed or to not express that. It was certainly a very disappointing performance even without high expectations.
But I really take issue with seeing the entirety of Lin's performance last night through the prism of a single play in which Lin got trapped. I just don't think that's seeing the game but just pounding the turnover and ballhandling memes. If you're obsessed about those memes, at some point that has little to do with the data before your eyes, but is just about being wrapped up in the prevailing narratives.
Nah, having Josh Smith still won't help Rockets beat OKC. It will help them beat lesser teams. One Ibaka is worth Parsons and Omer together. Certainly, Obaka is way more valuable than Harden IMO especially for OKC.
Oh I still hope Harden slips on a banana and is lost for the rest of the playoffs. Harden is god-awful. He also played like shit. Lin wasn't the only one!! But Lin took the heat/criticism as always!!
how will he ever make up for all the mind f'ing hes endured all season though? he was fearless before joining this team, hes been conditioned into a 'singles hitter' now.
Those turnovers jeremy Lin had...brutal, I can tell by the way he's playing, he's scared. Lol it was hard to look last night.Nooooo excuse on the how he did horrible last night, none.
Compare Lin's free throws at beginning of game (nothing but net) vs. those of Greg Smith (very tentative).
Lin made some bone-headed plays, but I would argue they were because he was too aggressive individually (trying to play hero ball), rather than just playing point guard for the Rockets.
He was forcing stuff, rather than letting things unfold naturally (he doesn't have ability, yet, to control action and dictate how things will unfold, but he does recognize openings defense gives him and deliver ball well in those situations).
The trap that Lin coughed up ball doesn't look good, but two starters (Parsons and Asik) were already on bench with three fouls, and Greg Smith was a total non-factor.
If Lin had Tyson Chandler instead of Asik as pick and roll partner, we probably still wouldn't have won game, but Lin could have looked much better.
Asik can only set pick that allows Lin to accelerate by his own man to basket but at that point his only option now is either score himself or try and drive, draw and dish.
Lin and Harden were essentially out their by themselves against Thunder starters because two of their starters were in foul trouble and Smith was totally invisible.
Lin trying to take charge and getting called for block like 1 minute into game was also total knucklehead play by Lin. It took away his aggressiveness on defense as he had to purposely sag of Westbrook whenever he drove, because if he picked up second foul, he was on bench till third quarter.
Those two bad plays at the start -- TO passing into traffic, and then a blocking foul -- was Lin being nervous, and that affecting his decisions. That's to be expected for a young player in his first playoff game. Just like how Smith had like two traveling violations when trying to post up;l he's not usually that bad. It happens, and it's to be expected. It's just part of the process.
Don't expect this to be like Linsanity the Movie: everything that happens is not edited to produce a feel-good sports storyline with a satisfying ending. There is very little in real life that fits neat storylines like that. In fact, there is no ending yet; you are watching a process unfolding with many ups and downs. Yet, the overall arc is discernible: Lin has improved a lot over this season and will continue to do so for sure.
Occupat10, good post. The first TO shocked me, because of all players Lin should know that Asik cannot get those kind of passes into traffic. I am very interested in seeing if Lin can step it up during this playoff series. One good thing is now the bar is set so low after the first game, in all likelihood, Lin will exceed his performance in the first game.
Those two bad plays at the start -- TO passing into traffic, and then a blocking foul -- was Lin being nervous, and that affecting his decisions.
That should have manifested in Lin's first two free throws.
Both of those free throws were nothing but net, and it's not like Lin is a great free throw shooter.
Even when he is playing really well, he seems to loose his sense of range and just come up short or long on free throw now and then. He's not an elite shooter and probably never will be (that doesn't mean he can't become a consistent dagger shooter when left wide open).
Those turnovers jeremy Lin had...brutal, I can tell by the way he's playing, he's scared. Lol it was hard to look last night.Nooooo excuse on the how he did horrible last night, none.
Can't really see pic as it is too small. The old one looks better. You are not even from NY, why you want the knick's jersey. I thought you are from Europe.
I'm just so disappointed in some of the Lin fans on this site. C'mon, Lin had his first playoff game for effing sake! It one game and your ready to take up another hobby. How many times have have Lebron choked in the playoffs with the Cavs? jordan, Kobe, cp3, they've all had to learn to handle the nerves and the adrenalin. It didn't take them 1o minutes to get over their nerves, not 1 week, not one season...it took multiple seasons for these so call great players to learn to win. Lin sucked 1 playoff game and you're ready to give up on him. Even Mchale will give Lin more leash than you will and that says a lot.
So, let me ask you one question then: After how many playoff games, is it reasonable to expect Lin to not suck in the playoff game (which I really don't have too much problem with because anyone can have bad shooting day) and not play panicky? This is a serious question, not trying to cut down Lin in any way. My opinion is that Lin had enough pressure filled situations in his 3 seasons in NBA already; he should have loved finally being in the playoff. Everyone kept on saying how Lin loves the pressure games and plays well in the pressure-filled games, etc., so of course, it's reasonable for people to believe that. Everyone kept on saying Lin is ice-cold killah. I rather like the honesty of Lin fans who say up front "Damn right I am disappointed, but I am going to watch some more to see skill level and ceiling", rather than saying "No, we should not expect too much, etc. After he's a young player . . . "
Lin said in the post-game interview that he thought every shot was going in (even though he did not hit a single jumper last night). Bad shooting night like that happens sometimes, to everyone. 'Ice in the veins' is not being afraid to take those shots. Lin was nervous for sure but I don't think he played scared.
Any tentativeness on the part of Lin in game 1 I suspect had more to do with continuing to learn to play WITH and OF of James.
His first two free throws show he wasn't afraid of the moment and paralyzed with fear like perhaps Greg Smith.
My criticism of Lin focuses more on some bone-headed plays that hurt team:
1) even risking taking a charge in first minutes of game
2) opening the third quarter trying to play hero ball / home run hitter, rather than just trying to grind Rockets back to say 10 point deficit to start fourth. Probability of comeback was low, but Lin shouldn't have been trying Hail Marys at start of third quarter.
Other thing, which is less a criticism but observation, is that he should just eat the ball and take shot clock violation, try and throw ball off defender, or blatantly throw ball out of bounds rather than trying really risky passes that are more than likely going to get picked off for easy transition basket.
Team has just try and hang around game till late in fourth, then try and steal game.
I don't think it's fair to Jeremy to expect him to deliver in every pressure filled situation.
But I also understand those who are venting and expressing anger at Jeremy as well. Obviously a lot of us have incredibly high expectations for him and it is quite disappointing to see him fail. Because for a lot of us, we want Jeremy to succeed and prove the SAS of the world wrong.
I believe that Jeremy is a great player, but I admit i am often vacillating between if he is for real or not especially like last game when he really looks like he doesnt belong. Whenever the doubt sets in, he proves me wrong.
I admit I'm not a " good" fan of Lin but a fan nonetheless. I refuse to have a myopic, fan centric view of his play like some of u here. I will express utter disgust when he plays in fear but I will rejoice like noone else when he does well. I'm sure my emotions will get more leveled as Lin establishes himself more but I'm just being honest with the way I feel.
Occupat10, you are again not understanding why I say he played very hesitantly. I don't mean he's not an ice-veined killah because he missed his shots. It's the way you pass and the decisions you make that's more important to me. I just wanted to make this clear, because people are focusing too much on the fact that he missed 5 or 6 open jumpers. That's no big deal to me. Like I said, even if Lin made 3 or 4 shots of 8 shots he took, I would still say he played badly. Parsons also played badly, not because he missed his shots, but because he was driving to the lane with his eyes closed. Parsons panicked also, not just Lin. That's why I blame Harden the most because he out of all players has the most playoff experience, but because this is a Lin site, I try to limit my comments to Lin.
Yeap, blame everyone but Lin. I guess that will never change. Again, KHuang twisting my words. I clearly said Bev is inferior as BB player and has a lower ceiling than Lin, but I like Bev's confidence. Words twister is KHuang's game.
Ha, ha. Strangely, I enjoy bantering with khuang. Now, I know I am addicted to this site. I bet KHuang brings a lot of posters who want to argue with him. If I was the Admin of this site, I would designate KHuang an honorary lifetime member. :) I have to admit though KHuang has been very consistent in his position, just as I have been.
I on the other hand am a BAD Lin Fan, whose account on this site should be taken away or never allowed to post anything. if there are 10 levels of Lin fans (with 10 being the most ardent and loving fan), I should receive 1 point. I should win a BAD LIN FAN of the year award.
Lydia, I never tried to hide this from way back, so I would say I am now kinda close to the way SAS thinks of Lin's game. Specifically, he states now that Lin will reach a very good PG level in 2 or 3 years, and SAS is not hesitant to blast Lin for his not "showing up". He said there is a difference between playing badly and playing so badly that it's embarrassing to watch the player play, and that was Lin during the last game. And my point is that even when CP3 or others played badly, they never played this badly. You see, even when Lin played badly for 2 quarters, he always managed to play pretty well after, so this was really the first time Lin played this badly during this year.
KHuang is the real hater because he boos Lin in public. I only boo him in my house. I admit that I am not a Lin Lover. I like him, I respect his BB game, and I think he may or may not become an All-star during his career (well, if many Asians vote for him, he will become an All-Star), even if he doesn't get injured. So to be specific, Lin may or may not be able to average All-Star numbers of let's say 17 points and 8 assists per game in one season during his career. I think there is 50/50 chance for me. If that's a hater, so be it. I tend to think that's a great compliment. Do I have to say that Lin will for sure average one day 20 points and 10 assists for me to be considered a real Lin fan like you? Your problem is you like to call everyone a Hater, and I will punk you repeatedly if you keep that up.
KHuang, I dare you to make a prediction of Lin's numbers for next year. If he stays with Rockets which is likely I am going to predict 14 points and 6.5 assists for next year. Put your money where your mouth is punk.
So, when a team has a leading scorer in NBA, 6th Man of the Year and a former Defensive Player of the Year, they still suck? Oh, yeah, Rockets have a former 6th Man of the Year and Linsanity Lin and a great coach and GM, right, and a great fan base, right? Be fair and give a credit where it's due. Anyone who thinks Rockets are a better team than Knicks, it's hard to think they are not blatantly biased.
It's not just the difference in talent between the two teams. The Knicks have a very clear idea of what they are doing. At the core, it's basically letting Melo dominate as power forward and when he is doubled, swing the ball out for threes. It's a perfect system designed around Melo's strengths. Meanwhile, the Rockets don't have clear and effective idea of what to do as a team when they are NOT getting transition buckets.
To add to that final thought: no strategy when the Rockets are NOT getting transition buckets and NOT hitting their threes. They shot 8 for 36, 22%, from the three point line last night. That right there is game over. And Asik/Smith are not going to get paint buckets against the Thunder defense. I don't think having Smith in the lineup will work well against the Thunder. They are going to have to throw DMo in there, or do more of the small ball Lin-Harden-Bev lineup, and have Lin guard the opposing PG. Regardless, Ibaka is a big game changer for them on both defense and being able to hit perimeter shots. The matchup is just so unfavorable for the Rockets.
The lack of set plays, combined with the youthful inexperience of Rockets, made them look awful yesterday.
Denver Nuggets first game against Warriors also looked sticky and lacking free flow of ball movement during regular season, presumably because it was playoff and Warriors fairly decent match up against them. Nuggets looked better in fourth, but early on you could see a bit of resemblance to what happens with Rockets all too often.
At this point in time, the Knicks are playing much better than the rockets with a clear focus. Who cares about regular season head to head at this point. U want your team to start peaking around now. The Knicks had a long winning streak going to end the season and their best player has been playing unbelievably - bit to mention the emerging play if jr smith. Woodson has done a remarkable job if getting guys ready to play well at the right time in spite if all the injuries.
The Rox in the other hand backed into the playoffs losing to the worst team in the western conference with really lackadaisical effort in a very umportant game. Harden has not looked the same since returning from injury. Lin has been erratic as well. This is not the way to get into the playoffs.
So at this point in time, the Knicks are playing much much better. The Rox, ... they would still have hard time beating Phoenix.
And I blame McHale and the coaching staff for not getting the team ready. This is what happens when u don't have a set rotation going ir quite erratic with your substitution pattern.
Exactly Solidz75. Really good teams, all they have to do is peak at the right team. That's all it matters. I agree that a playoff series against Phoenix and Rockets will be very competitive.
MJ and the bulls got swept first round the first 3 years of making into the post season, it took him 5 seasons to post season play to win his first of many.
Lebron had 7 seasons in Cleveland and gagged badly in the playoffs. He then joined Wade and Bosh and still gagged in his 8th season as a pro.
Lin is in his 2nd year as a pro and first playoff game. MJ is considered arguably the greatest player of all time. So I expect that we should give him a pass until at least having failed to win a post season game 12 times before giving up on him!
Woodson > McHale. And you just can't argue around experience/salaries of Knicks vs Rockets.
McHale...Not sure what he is good for. I don't know if y'all watched the short clips of playoff coaches talking in huddles during their first playoff game...Most of them are composed and going about a plan and telling their team what must be done...
McHale: Fight fight fight. Uh yeah, how's about a plan coach, other than ISO and going small?
Lol was half expecting him to break out his etch and sketch.
Dude I realize u r trying to prop up Lin but lebron didn't gag in the playoffs. He just couldn't win a championship. Remember the 24 straight points against Detroit?
I don't remember lebron or Jordan doing nearly as bad as Lin did in the playoffs. Don't equate team failure with individual failures. Individually those players were monsters.
I'm not comparing Lin to Lebron, I'm comparing Lin to any player that's ever played the game. I'm not saying he is any better, I'm just saying that even the all time greats have trouble handling pressure and the nerves when it comes to playoff games.
I'm saying that its a learning process that each player must go through.
I'm saying that Lin had a bad first playoff game, so what...it's not unusual because it has happened to every single player to play the game.
I'm saying that to judge Lin or sh@t on him is unjust and totally uncalled for.
I don't think anyone here is sh*tting on him, but if he played horribly one game in his first playoff game, yeah, one could have some doubt. But if Lin plays next 3 games pretty well, then we can write it off as the first nervous playoff game thing. But what if let's say Lin plays pretty bad for next 3 losses? Heck, yes, that might influence me to reevaluate his upside, because my opinion is the playoff is an entirely different game. Even with LeBron, people have an entirely different image of him because he won the Championship. It's too bad that Lin doesn't get to play with LeBron instead. But you know what? If Lin plays with LeBron, he might become more marginalized. In fact, I don't know if there is any team with a GM or coach who would hand the ball to Lin like D'Antoni did out of desperation. I will believe that when I see it.
I listened to him, and actually what he said is very reasonable. I agree with 95% of what he said. He was actually very reasonable on Lin, and even said in two or three years that he expects Lin to be a very good player, but that Knicks was right to let Lin go; and that last game, Lin did absolutely nothing positive.
Actually, what SAS says this time is not such hating stuff. He actually agrees with many of the posters that it will take 2 to 3 years for Lin to reach a very good player level, but Lin definitely is not there yet.
Lydia, I actually do think Lin fans' "loving" attitude has changed SAS' view of Lin. What he says now is not too bad, although I do not agree Harden is a "stud" -- only offensively maybe. He also cut down Harden hard by saying his playoff performance is really bad, and he has not delivered as the messiah of Rockets.
Lol SAS is a JLin fan. Don't let his pretend hate fool you. When JLin becomes a legit all star, he'll be the first person to tell you "I told you so".
Stat wise JLin didn't deliver. Without him they have no hope of winning, but what SAS didn't mention was JLin had no help either, you can't "PG" when you are shoved into the corner on 80% of Rox possessions and deferring the ball to lesser guards.
I don't agree with what people say about if JLin was PG he would have made no difference. If he was PG and was employed like one, as in, offense ranned through him, instead of a SG wannabe superstar, with the rest of team behind him, he would have made a HUGE difference.
And he blasted Harden equally. Cause Harden well played like garbage.
SAS wasn't wrong: there was a lot of "deer in headlights" look. McHale is to blame for this, for your team to look absolutely lost shows just how prepared they are, and that's entirely on coaching staff's hands, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE TEAM IS THIS YOUNG AND INEXPERIENCED!
By hands I mean shoulders. Its SAS's way of blasting McHale without saying "McHale you are an idiot" outright, and Bayless sort of alluded to that as well.
So now it's okay that since SAS says that Lin will be a very good player in 2 or 3 years, it legitimizes what we've been saying?
Give me a break! Sure he had a bad game and he choked, he panicked and he hit the wall mentally. But that doesn't mean he will be down for long. It's all part of his journey to achieve his personal best.
I believe in Lin because of what I've seen in his game and in his mental toughness. Khuang and I may disagree on a few things but I believe we don't differ on our faith in Lin based upon our knowledge of the game and on our hope for a Chinese vanguard to slay the PREDJUDICE thrust upon us. What annoys me even more is our own sometimes perverse disbelief in our race's ability to compete on the world stage with other stars. The fact that we need the acknowledgement of SAS to anoint Lin a good pg is a asset in point.
Athletes like Lin, Lui Xiang, Michael Chang, Li Na all have shown us that we are capable to compete with the best of the world. Believe it!
SAS is echoing what many Lin fans have been saying for long time; that's a good thing, not a bad thing. General public hears more from him than us, so of course, he has more influence. Of course, he has less knowledge about Lin because he can't see all the games. However, it's dangerous to believe in some destiny stuff. Like I said, Lin is already a NBA starter, but for me, the fun is in not knowing if he will be an All-Star or not. To be frank, if I knew for sure Lin would be an All-Star, it would not make it as interesting or dramatic, I guess. Lin not becoming an All-Star does not disprove that some Taiwanese American vanguard cannot be just as good. I don't need Lin to prove that to me, because I have seen Asian swimmers do very well in swimming, fencing, etc., in all kinds of sports where once it was thought they would not do well. I played soccer, and I was actually always surprised why there are not yet the world class level Asian soccer player, because I always thought soccer did not favor big guys. Lin already proved to me that he can play, so that's not an issue. But since this is a Lin site, what else can we do but to criticize him or applaud him as he plays? This site would not be fun if I have to applaud him all the time. Personally, I feel I applaud him a lot of times, and I actually spent some time at CL site pointing out strong aspects of Lin's game.
That's where we differ, I happen to believe in destiny because it is a self delusional belief of our ability to achieve greatness. If you don't believe it, then you will never be able to break records. Take the case of the 4 impute mile, it was believed to be impossible, but once Banister broke it, many other who didn't believe it before broke that mark the following year. Kierkegaard once said that as a philosopher, it was his responsibility to doubt the rules and confines of previously held beliefs. It is by this method that the greatest human endeavors become "game changers". This is the true role of human athletics. It's not purely entertainment or being role models for kids. It's about one human beings self delusion and unwavering belief in himself or herself to break beyond what was the norm and accepted limits of human achievements. It's like Tiger Woods having Jck Nicholas's record of 18 majors on the wall of his bedroom. You must begin with that delusional self belief.
I have a question for all the Lin fans on this page who are pre-Linsanity.I have been a die hard fan of Jeremy's since he saved Knicks from ruin last year. I have watched every game since then(even if on league pass or tivo). I know many of you have as well. I am not buying that it was just nerves that caused Lin to play horribly last night. We all have seen these games from Jeremy before, even against low stakes crappy teams. He goes from a confident aggressive playmaking explosive threat, to a fumbling zombie. In NY after Linsanity when Woodson came, Jeremy had consistent level of play. He played point guard, and played 6 solid games with Melo and Amarie back before his injury. He didn't have these extreme swings in performance like in Houston. My question is, in Harvard days and before, did he have these ups and downs? Did he loose his shot and make rushed decisions for random games and then bounce back? Is it just in Houston or has this been Lin's pattern his whole career to date? Is it the multi-pg system that is causing this because J Lin is in a new and grey area, or is he prone to this? Any opinions would be appreciated. 2 long days until Wed.PLEEEEEEAAASE Lin bring your A game!
What McHale did to this kid is a travesty. he has been turned into a role player without a role. instead of playing to his strengths he has actually made all his glaring weaknesses loud and clear. F'd with his mind every other game to the point where Derek Fisher can get one by him now.
I think only Lin knows. Yes, in the Rockets' system, he was forced out of his comfort zone and his natural playing style, that much is true. But in the long run, if this forces him to improve in certain areas, he might become a more complete player. You know as well as I do Rose that in Knicks, he just handled the ball a lot, and Melo wasn't a SG or PG, so Melo at least gave Lin opportunity to handle the ball, even if Melo ultimately ended up with the ball. But Harden is worse because he also likes to handle the ball and actually shoots better when he has the ball. And now, Bev is even handling the ball, as well as Parsons, so no surprise there that Lin's numbers are off. You can make a strong argument that Lin will never become an All-star in Rockets' system.
I do not care what SAS said. Lin is Lin. What SAS said will not bother/change my opinion. Everyone is a unique individual. Lin IS a very good player now. What he showed to us is a bad playoff game. So what? It is not the end of world. I am willing to give Lin a benefit of doubt that this may be a fluke.
Of course, it's not the end of world. Your opinion is all that matters. Lin's own opinion of what he can do is all that matters. It ain't as if Lin is going to send us a thank you letter for talking about him.
Here we are everyone got heated up talking about Lin and all. Even some points their finger at Lin and complained about his first playoff performance(mostly the idiot 'MURICA and mass/social media).
Do they even noticed that it was also McHale's first playoff gig as a head coach? Nobody out there(besides us) willing to evaluate how bad his game plan is? Can he actually draw plays/sets? Is there anybody out there questioning why this BULLY is in the head coaching business in the first place?
It is like no matter how many times Lin puts up great performances and demonstrates his abilities, the moment he has one bad game he is immediately seen as a scrub again. At the same time, other players put up a few great games and are immediately billed as future stars, having great potential, etc. And if they put up some shitty games afterwards, it is considered normal growing process. I find it really sad for these people who have nothing better to do than to hate on someone they don't even know.
For me, I just want to enjoy Lin's play and not worry about other people's opinion. No reason to get upset by the words of some random people you will never meet who have absolutely no influence whatsoever over Lin's or our lives.
I can just see it now. Rockets lack that other superstar for success after Harden's valiant effort against former team, must pursue free agent market. Even more marginalization of Lin ensues (if that's even possible).
Now I do not know where it has the bads comments, here or cluchfan First Lin played very bad and will probably play bad the next I only wait Lin play well in Game 3 in Houston
The story have been written: Linsanity gradually faded upon the return of Melo and died when D'Antoni was gone. Lin can be dangerous if he is fit in the gameplan. He doesn't need superstars.
1st? lol
ReplyDeleteFirst is a winner.
DeleteAnd then we cruise off you, Brent!
DeleteThis is practically like "treading on uncharted territory". So , Jeremy , keep on , go on , fight on...
ReplyDeleteWe'll continue to pray for you and cheer for you!
(no matter what happens in this playoffs :>)
Yep! Go JLin!!!
DeleteCOACH LIN!
ReplyDeleteLin will study the video and review the game.
He'll create a gameplan that will maximize his players on both ends of the court. The players, for the most part, have bought into Lin's coaching all season long!
The Rockets will come out improved next game. The young Rockets will be vastly more ready for next game, primarily due to Lin's COACHING.
As for "Coach" McHale, it must be irritating for him to have been relegated to "assistant" status.
Then again, Lin wouldn't have to coach at all if McHale understood and solved NBA defenses the way a NBA head coach is supposed to!
Anything will be better than the first game loss. However, I think there is a distinct possibility 2nd game could even be worse: OKC could actually play very well and literally "crush" Rocket's. I say this because I didn't think OKC played all that well during first game.
DeleteYou are right (and I agree) that OKC does not seem to need Harden to play well, but by the same token Knicks are playing very well without Lin.
Part of the reason OKC didn't play well is because the Rockets did play a lot of great defense especially with Lin in the game.
DeleteEven if the score doesn't reflect it, the Rockets will play better simply because Lin will get them to play as a TEAM.
OKC is a team with two guys in Westbrook and Durant that can get so blindingly hot that no defense of any sort can stop them. Losing like that is not a dishonor.
What the Rockets won't do is come out meek and unsure of where to go. Coach Lin will see to it that they have a better idea of what to do next game.
The Knicks would not even make the playoffs in the West.
DeleteThe Knicks benefit from a weakass Eastern Conference where the only two good teams are Indiana and Miami.
Lin's 8th seed Rockets utterly CRUSHED the 2nd seeded Knicks twice That should indicate how INFERIOR the Knicks would be if they played in the West.
Now if the Knicks had Lin, they absolutely could compete for a 7th or 8th seed in the Western Conference.
I love Khuang's over the top exuberance, even when it is bordering the unrealistic!
DeleteLin played like garbage. So did the rest of his team. Will they win this series? There is no chance in hell.
The good thing is if Lin rebounds in games 2-4, he looks great going into next season. If he stinks all 4 games, he can use it as summer motivation to really work on his game.
This young unproven team lacking in talent is now playing too tight. They did not play loose at all. Lin should go watch some GSW-Dallas to regain some swagger and provide some of it to his teammates. They are playing ultra tight...the entire team.
The tightness has to do with inept coaching. This team needs a Don Nelson to roll out the ball and let chaos reign. Mchale wants to reign in chaos but has no clue why he really want to do that.
On a young team like this, they should be coming in with Florida Gulf Coast Dunk City Swagger. Mchale's got them on pins and needles and they are going to get crushed over and over and over again. He's coaching them like vets or trying to get to Vet level when these guys are virtual unknowns.
I predict 4-0 or 4-1 at best and I believe Lin will use it to motivate himself in summer training. They will compete at home but get crushed on the road like all tight, inexperienced and unproven low seed playoff teams.
Yeap, I like Denver, you meant GSW-Denver right? As usual, I disagree with KHuang, although I do admire his confidence in Lin. OKC is the worst match-up for Lin and Rockets; I was surprised that people didn't see that. Yeap, definitely Rockets would do better against Knicks, but I am almost certain that Knicks would beat Rockets in a playoff.
DeleteThe Knicks would beat the Rockets if James Harden plays scared by hogging the ball selfishly and refusing to play defense.
DeleteThe Knicks against a committed Lin team like earlier this season would be swept 4-0 by an average loss of 20 per game.
Lin and Harden are just too much for the AARP aged backcourt of the Knicks. GREYHOUNDED!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks Khuang's assessment of Lin is way over the top.
DeleteMan this waiting for the next game is brutal. Could the next game can get any worse for this team? I don't know how that is possible.
Why is my assessment of a player who DESTROYED the Knicks over the top?
DeleteIn the regular season Rox also got crushed by 30 points. The next time they played OKC, they made adjustments. Specifically, I remember the guards playing off of each other a bit better. They only won by 3, allowed 119 points, were hot from three point range, and took Herculean efforts from both Harden and Lin.
DeleteOKC is aware of Rox three ball so I don't think they will be able to score 122 on OKC this time around. As a casual fan of the game I have no idea what concrete adjustments they should make. Never the less, I hope the coaching staff with the help of their player-coach make some sort of adjustment so that they can at least keep it competitive on Wednesday.
Khuang: because the Knicks are a joke of a team as you acknowledged yourself.
Deleteeb5: Dallas - GSW when #8 beat #1 when Lin was in college. That's the swagger the Rox need. They need to play loose and carefree, that's when Lin plays best.
Lin is a combo of a poor man's D-Wade due to less strenght&height&vertical leap / Steve Nash on steroids but with the kryptonite of a much crappier, less consistent shot / and a self described Dragic clone.
Lin knows what his strengths are - it's trying to wreak havoc and chaos all over the court trying to do too much. It's far from perfect basketball but that's how Lin plays. He needs to play that style of game in this particular series. It's the antithesis of what Mchale wants and it's the only chance in hell this team has to even be competitive right now AND Harden has to nail shots and score 30 a game to boot.
Lin is a volume play maker who gets limited touches to make plays on this team. He isn't good always in his efficiency so he relies on volume to make up for his bad plays till he can catch a hot stretch. But on the Rox, once he makes the bad plays, he stops getting touches or gets tentative or both so his inefficiency is highlighted for all to see and hence the "exposed" talk.
Granted Lin has tons of room for improvement from a shaky handle, lack of 1 on 1 moves, to questionable creativity and variety to his game, but Lin luckily is a top level athlete sans an elite vertical.
He needs to put his head down and play some ugly ball going toe to toe in a physically gruelling showdown against Westbrook. Lin doesn't have enough actual bball skill to win any other way right now, with his limited touches. Lin will have to rely on pure athleticism and heart to be competitive this series.
He's not going to get the touches to do what he did to John Wall & effect the game flow like when the Knicks played Wizards last year. So Lin has to do what he tried to do to Steph Curry in Oakland the 2nd time around by just playing all out and just putting his head down and going hard right with few variations to his game. It's ugly but effective enough if Lin is committed to it.
I re-write here :
ReplyDeleteHey why are you complaining?
If jeremy plays good in playoff people will realize he's a pretty good player; If he doesn't Morey will trade him cause he'll think he's not worthed that money. It's a win - win... Is it right Khuang? :D
Don't agree on your previous answer eb ....
DeleteOn my previous answer that if Lin plays badly during the playoff, it will be a lot more difficult to find new teams which will offer an opportunity to Lin to play like a true PG?
DeleteThat's right, Spotless mind.
DeleteJeremy Lin has done great in the NBA and has an even better future in front of him.
The playoffs are a new experience that Lin is adjusting to, likely as we speak.
A "true pg" is a "true pg", no matter what position he is assigned on the court.
DeleteLin's always going to be a stellar floor general on both ends of the court. He could be played at center and he's still going to set guys up and call plays.
If teams are dumb enough to limit Lin, LET THEM. He'll force his role on the court anyway because that's what great players do.
2nd game will be interesting to watch to see if and how Rockets, including Lin, manages to adjust, if not for any other reason.
DeleteSince Morey and McHale went out of their way to DE-HYPE Lin during the regular season, they are doing the same thing in the nationally televised playoff games. Lin better somehow rise to the occasion and play well as a spot-up shooting guard role.
DeleteI think that even if Lin doesn't do well in the playoffs (I'm predicting he doesn't, neither will any of his teammates), he is very tradeable: His agents can present all the facts with great arguments. Beside, many league general managers and coaches now know. But people have short memories and they will have to be reminded.
yesssss yesssss...
DeleteLin to Phoenix for Dragic .....
yesssss yesssss....
Whoo hoo doodle diddie doo! I agree.
DeleteSwap Lin and Dragic! The Suns thought they put together a contending team, and on paper they should have been. So the Suns are open to overhauling the team. A great time for Morey and McHale to get back their precious Dragic boy! Get it done Morey. Whoo hoo poodle doodle plop plop!
Lin to the Suns, Jazz, or Magic. (No to huge market snubs).
KHuang,
DeleteI just realized something. Both Lin and Dragic improved their plays during the 2nd half of the season. Where as Lin's was due to his knees getting getting more fully healed, Dragic's coincided with the Suns' hiring the brand new rookie coach, Lindsey Hunter (who was a player in the NBA just 2 years prior as a POINT GUARD!). I'd *LOVE* Lin to play for coach Hunter! Hunter's intelligence and coaching is vastly superior to McHale's. I know it's a small sample to go by, BUT I JUST KNOW. Mark my words and watch. Hunter just needs a 50% overhauled team to contend next season.
Suns will be a loser crappy team for years.
DeleteThe Suns won't be as bad if Lin joins them, though.
DeleteHe can turn around that entire team by himself.
The Suns lack an explosive perimeter athlete who can take over games without being selfish.
Lin alone would suddenly transform the Suns into a nearly 50 win team. The Suns have more talent than the Rockets do.
I am way too absorbed into hoping for JLin - its like, not healthy.
ReplyDeleteAs I wash dishes, drive in the car, sit on the can... I am thinking, what is JLin doing now? how would I split the trap? why did he try that x-court skip pass? how can he beat their rotating D? will the Thunder continue to dare him to shoot? what would I do if I got past Westbrook and then I see Ibaka and Perkins?
Anyway, here's to pulling for JLin to have a monster game on Wed!
That x-court pass was just venting his frustration to his teammates. He shown if you cut, that ball is yours to score. KD was NOT looking at Parsons at all.
DeleteSomeone in the previous post said that Lin has trouble guarding Dragic.
ReplyDeleteHuh?.... 3 out of 4 times, Lin had absolutely no problem handling Dragic. Dragic scored in bunches against Beverley. The times when Lin "struggled" against Dragic were when in the 2nd half (or in the 4th quarter) the ref definitely decided to favor the struggling basement dwelling home team (or help the Lakers in the standings). Lin plays against Dragic so well that in the 4th quarter in Phoenix home games, Dragic routinely hard-fouled and flagrant-fouled against Lin that referees didn't call. By now Lin better realize that Dragic takes him personally - and DO THE SAME to him now on, or be branded a pushover or worse, get seriously injured.
But the last game those two teams played in Phoenix (an important game for the Rockets), the whole Suns team were on fire to play spoilers because so many key Suns players were last year's Rockets who wanted to show home fans a good time; and they also wanted to prove that they aren't as bad as they looked, now that they have a lottery draft pick guaranteed. The Suns wanted to win much more than the Rockets. The whole Suns team played excellent in that game, particularly Scola. Dragic played well - in fact he played well the whole 2nd half of the season - but don't forget that he plays PG and all their offense goes through him.
In the first Suns home game that I attended, Lin completely shut down Dragic for 3 quarters until the refs (specifically Joey Crawford) started calling fake fouls on Lin to protect Dragic.
DeleteIn the 2nd Suns home game, Dragic came out with his max speed and effort. Even so, he only beat Lin on one play and needed all those Scola picks to score against Lin. Dragic did NOTHING against Lin for the rest of the game.
I was also surprised at how easily Lin got by the entire Suns team. One or two dribbles and the Suns were riding Lin's back. Nobody could stop him, and even the double teams didn't really work.
KHuang,
DeleteYes, I saw that.
As to the first Suns home game, if Lin had played for any other team, I bet they would have shown the tape to the league office and lodged a complaint. SMH.
I only booed Lin once or twice in that first Suns game.
DeleteThe 2nd one, I booed him quite a bit because he just MURDERED the Suns.
The Phoenix crowd LOVES Jeremy Lin. He got bigger cheers than any of the Suns player did.
Send Lin over to Phoenix. Then I'll stop booing him.
No wonder Dragic hacked, chopped, hip checked, elbowed and bloodied Lin in the 4th quarters.
DeleteLin needs to not only payback dirty players, but he also should initiate dirty plays once in a while to show that he's not intimidated by any players. But don't completely stoop to their level: Stay away from flagranting any players.
Jakemaverick, you are funny. I don't think about Lin at all until I start watching the game and then yell when he does well and cuss when he plays badly. It's just a way to relieve tension (hobby) for me. The closest analogy is let's say you are playing blackjack. You see one card face up -- A (Linsanity) -- and 2nd card may be either 2 or 8. But more and more it feels like the 2nd card will not be 10 -- but I am still holding onto hope. I agree with Solid's post where he said many people are Lin's fans because they believe or hope that Lin can be an All-star, not because he's an Asian-American or a Harvard graduate or a Christian. I could care less NOW that he's a Harvard graduate or a Christian; and I would follow a fellow Asian-American NBA player just very casually, not like I follow Lin. The very fact that I am still following Lin is an indication that I still have a hope of his BB game. I will definitely be sad to give up my hobby, but I am not ready to give up yet, and I hope to have a Lin hobby for long time. But if Lin plays badly this Series, I will have to give up my hobby and start watching UEFA soccer more.
ReplyDeleteDo 10 pushups every time you are mad. You will be ripped in no time.
DeleteYou guys are so much more into Lin than I am!
ReplyDeleteI sit there impassively, even at a live game.
Dirty secret: I've BOOED Lin when he's made great plays against my hometown Phoenix Suns! People who attend the games with me laugh their butts off when I boo him!
Does that make me a "Lin only HATER?"
No, that makes you a secret "Lin Only Lover" who is afraid to be express your love for Lin. :)
DeleteBOOO!!!!!
Deleteheh heh!
I definitely love Lin's character. Just that a definite doubt has formed about his BB game.
DeleteWhat, you still don't think Lin can average more than 12 ppg like you wrote last fall?
DeletePeople need to stop pressing the panic button. Lin will be fine, he just played his first playoff game of his career against an OKC defense that was geared to shutting him down. The guy is a true student of the game and I guarantee he's looking at film right now learning of his mistakes.
ReplyDeleteA lot of you forget that Lin is still a young player, not a seasoned veteran that's been through countless playoff games. The fact that Lin is even in the playoffs in his first season as being a starter is amazing.
Just look at this moment as growing pains for his obvious bright future in the NBA.
Come, come. Being happy over making the playoff is over and done with. It's time to play with confidence and leave everything on the floor and not go softly into that good night without at least a good fight.
DeleteCRAM SESSION!
DeleteLin's probably looking at film of OTHER GUYS too, not just his own!
Coaches like Lin have to prepare their teams adequately so that assistant coaches like Kevin McHale can take the credit!
@eb5attorney, yes but I think many people have unrealistic expectations of him. Many great players in the history of the NBA have struggled mightily when arriving in the playoff scene for the first time.
DeleteLet's cut him some slack, he's human just like the rest of us.
Albino, agreed, but here's my stance on that. Lin, the main player in the drama called Linsanity, should know better than anyone that he should not doubt his BB ability and faith in God. Therefore, given what he has experienced and achieved already, he should really play with utter confidence. I just don't understand. That he doesn't trust his ability and play without swagger is what pisses me off. This playoff is nothing compared to what he has gone through.
DeleteHey Albinoswordfish and eb5attorney, let's not forget how everybody's point guard greatest American hero of all time Chris Paul had a HELLISH series against San Antonio last year.
DeleteThe Spurs did what so many teams do to stop Chris Paul: put a rangy 6'6" defender on him and dare him to shoot over the top. Danny Green just shut down Chris Paul last year.
Chris Paul has had his share of playoff games just like the game Jeremy Lin had yesterday.
But see, a bad game from Chris Paul is just a game to be shrugged off while a bad game from Lin casts "doubt" on his entire career and legacy and status of all Asian Americans on earth and beyond!
Simply put, no matter what Lin's BB ability is at this moment, I want Lin to play more like Bev, with some confidence. If you are going to lose, you might as well lose with confidence, you know what I mean?
DeleteCome on, CP3 played well in a lot more playoff games, whereas Lin's playoff ability is not proven yet: Lin had one playoff and he played one of his worst games. Now, if Lin plays decently in the remaining games or very well even in one playoff game, I am nto going to hold one really horrible game against Lin.
DeleteThat's PATHETIC, eb5attorney.
DeleteYou want Lin to be greyhounded like Bev? Or to make dumbass plays like Bev? Or to be left unguarded because Bev can't make basic plays?
I think you've been listening to your ignoramus friend who hasn't watched the NBA for 10 years too much. He's gotten into your head and you're sounding like an IDIOT!!!!
By the way, eb5attorney, you're better than this.
DeleteC'mon, trust your own basketball judgment and stop listening to the haters in NY including your DUMBASS friend who thinks Lin sux.
I would never want Lin to play like Beverly. The reason why Beverly is able play "free" or whatever is because OKC isn't loading up on him. Lin is getting double teamed off every single PnR because they want the ball out of his hands. There is no game plan to stop Beverly like there is for Lin.
DeleteHe just needs to play smarter and handle the double teams better. All the shots he took were good shots they'll fall eventually.
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DeleteNo no no, please do not play like PB. You just do not going backward. Most of us wanted McHale to trust Lin, we should show the trust 1st. Looking good on the floor is not equal to playing good on the floor. Lin struggled, he will get better.
DeleteLin can learn a lot from Bev, in that with his limited ability and lower ceiling, he still exudes confidence on the court, even if he has a lower ceiling. Bev doesn't get his mistakes let him down too much. Lin has to adapt during the game; he can't let his missing shots mess up other parts of his game. If people can't see this, that's too bad. Like I said, the playoffs is where you make your name.
DeleteI think all eb is saying is that he wishes Lin played with more confidence like Beverley did.
DeleteIt looks like Lin was pressing too much and it led to uncharacteristic TO's and missed shots.
This is the second time that Lin has faltered under pressure in a big moment. I think he plays his best when he doesn't put so much pressure. If there is any time to let it go, this is the time. Noone is expecting the Rox to beat OKC so Lin should play without worries and let the game come to him.
Yes, Solid, thank you. That's what I am saying, and I thought I made it clear. Geez . . . If you want me to make it more clear, what I am saying is Bev obviously has a lower ceiling and not as good court vision than Lin; but I like Bev's knowing what he can do and what he cannot do and being confident in what he can do. Does anyone have a problem with that? If so, that's too bad.
Deletewell said, @Albino :)
DeleteDisappointment certainly follows when you have unmet expectations.
@eb, take a long breather :D
It sounds like you have unrealistic expectations that because Lin has confidence in his BB ability and faith in God that he would certainly not fail due to his inexperience.
Lin certainly struggled with making risky passes that he shouldn't have tried and breaking traps so he knows that he needs to get better. Nothing wrong with admitting he struggled in his playoff game, or his 2nd and even 3rd.
What's more important is to see how he bounces back from failure and not giving up.
I'd rather him experiencing the normal struggle of NBA players then overcome them than experiencing miraculous game from God that no other normal people can relate to.
Let's enjoy his journey to overcome his struggle and hope for the best.
In some sense, I can sympathize with Mac's shaking his head at Lin sometimes, because with Bev, you know what you are getting. With Lin, you dont' know if a superman or a scrub will show up at a game. No wonder Mac doesn't trust Lin. After seeing Lin develop gradually during regular season, I thought for sure, Lin was going to play at least an average game, make few shots and control the tempo and cut down on wild plays. It's not like he didn't play OKC before. I really blame Harden for this game because he knows OKC and he has the most playoff experience.
DeletePsalm, I am certainly going to watch the 2nd game primarily to see if Lin can bounce back and make adjustment. If he plays horribly again, no more NBA watching for me until the final two games of Finals, as this is causing stress instead of relieving stress. :) Lin will still probably become an above average starting PG especially during the regular season, but that excitement will be gone for me. Look, as you know, I don't have all that great expectation of Lin in terms of thinking Lin is a franchise player, but I really thought Lin would play more smartly, now that he had one full season.
Deletehaha, I know what you mean, eb5.
Deletevillareal's youtube post-game analysis actually did a great job breaking down his struggle and concluded it's good that he struggled so he knows he needs to be angry, focused and got better. if you listen to it, you'll feel better.
For me, I'd have lower expectations that he still had to work through when to make risky passes and not do it. To be fair, the shared PG role didn't give much experience in a full season to exercise judgment on when to not make bad passes.
With the global following that he had, all players would definitely have a go at him to make him look bad.
I'm prepared to see him bounce back with more intensity but still had struggles.
I'm just concerned that some of us see him as a Top 5 or 10 PG in his first playoff game when he clearly was not. He has the talent but not the experience yet.
I'm ready to cheer even when he struggles mightily in the whole series. I always enjoy the journey of fighting back to get better.
eb, you are the worst of Lin fans. If he doesn't prove you wrong in the next couple games, you're not going to be excited for him or root for him the same?! GTFO. Stop imposing your weird ass insecurities on him.
DeleteYou expected him to play better in the playoffs after one full season? Oh God. Also, just bc Lin believes in God and his natural bball talent, doesn't mean that he's automatically going to play well and be above the struggles that other NBA players go through. God is not a freaking wizard.
I don't know what it is. Some of you have the worst insecurities.
Are you an idiot? I said time and time again, I don't have very high expectations of Lin like yourself. All I expect Lin to do is to not play panicked. What have you been reading?
Delete"God is not a freaking wizard." That cracks me up. Isn't he supposed to be greater than a wizard, if they both exist? So wizard can make Lin play better, while God cannot?
DeleteA scrub like Bev making all those mistakes and losing the lead constantly should NOT have confidence.
DeleteI know you're bitter about Lin leaving your Knicks, eb5attorney, but your insistence on making Bev into Lin's idol is making YOU look silly.
Your twisting people's words is making you look silly, KHuang. And I dont' like Knicks either. Isn't it funny that scrub is playing with more confidence, when he shouldn't feel confident? That's why I like Bev. Lin has a lot more reason to feel confident, I agree. That's my point, silly.
DeleteIt's not smart to have the STUPID CONFIDENCE that you advocate Lin having.
DeleteIt leads to worse play, of the sorts your Knicks do when they're being OUTCLASSED by the Rockets.
JLin right now isn't a finished product, so there would be ups and downs. We've seen both Linsanity levels of play and really poor play like last night. As fans, we just have to remain patient and not get too high or too low regarding expectations at this point of his career.
ReplyDeleteFor those JLin fans that couldn't take the "downs" and gets really upset to the point that's bad for their health, maybe it's a good idea to stay away from the NBA until JLin gets a lot better in 1 or 2 years lol.
Make that 1 or 2 GAMES, not years Sesshie!
DeleteJeremy Lin has a long bloody track record of bouncing back from humiliating defeat.
Bouncing back from this playoff game is EASY compared to the rough ride Lin's endured just to get to this point!
You and I have watched Lin overcome every kind of adversity. That's why I'm placidly sitting here enjoying the game and anticipating what neat coaching tricks Lin's got up his sleeve.
Yeah, but I think some fans want to see him perform like established all-star PGs right now, and I think it would take a few years conservatively to get to that level.
DeleteOh, you mean like Chris Paul having a horrendous series against the Spurs or Derrick Rose struggling against the Heat or Tony Parker struggling against the Thunder?
DeleteAll Star PGs struggle in the playoffs too.
I do not define Lin's missing open shots "horrendous". But to be fair, you don't see CP3 make certain types of panicky and hurried passes. So, please let's not make this kind of comparison. Everyone knows anyone can miss 10 shots in a row. Melo can do it, Kobe can certainly do that. But you and I know that's not equal to having a "horrendous" game. It's other aspects. Even if Lin had made let's say 3 out of 8 shots, I would still say Lin had a horrendous game because of other aspects or lack thereof. Like Lin said, he did not seem shaky shooting those shots; he just missed. What can you do?
DeleteRight Khuang. No one expected the roxs to win a single game and even worse they got no game plan so they get more exposed. Lin 1/7 is no different of harden and Parsons' poor shooting.... He'll bounce back but it's playoff guys, and Okc are top seed. Keep in mind...
Delete100% agree, sesshie.
DeleteIt's better for Lin fans to have realistic expectations for Lin in his first playoff series than getting disappointed of expecting All-Star numbers.
One positive thing I got from villareal's video was that McHale sticking by Lin even during his struggle and his bench time was due to his foul trouble. So at least McHale knows he'll sink or swim with Lin, Harden and Parsons.
@KHuang:
ReplyDeleteDon't go too far on the Knicks, buddy. The Rockets dominated the Knicks, true, but the Knicks did very well against nearly all the other Western conference playoff teams. The only western conference playoff teams that swept the Knicks were the Clippers and Rockets. Also, the Knicks swept the Spurs and when they went 1-1 against OKC, they only lost by 1 point.
Keep in mind: the Knicks had major injury problems this year. NONE of their starters reached 70 games, and a lot of their backups missed major time too. Pretty much the only ones who didn't were Novak and Smith. Amare Stoudemire has hardly played, and by the end of the season the Knicks were reduced to getting guys from off the street to play minutes at PF and C. Had the Knicks been anywhere near healthy this year, they win 60 games easily.
It may not be a popular sentiment in these parts, but Melo and Woodson earned their money this year by getting to 54 wins despite all those injuries. And another thing: even though the Heat will make quick work of the Knicks in the conference finals (though if the Knicks were healthy they would have at least made it competitive but still ultimately lost) the Knicks won 3 out of 4 against the Heat during the regular season. The only loss was by 6 points in a game that the Knicks led most of the 2nd half.
If the Knicks could only get out from under Amare Stoudemire's contract, they'd have a shot at going places.
It's one thing to beat up on bottom dwellers like Charlotte and Cleveland and Detroit and other Leastern Conference teams.
DeleteIt's another thing to face tough Western conference foes night after night.
Having lived on both coasts, I am all too aware of how the Knicks have a much easier schedule than anybody in the West. The Knicks aren't getting bashed around by Western Conference behemoths every night, so they can have their legs and concentration to really step up against the good teams. They would not have that if they had to constantly play good teams the way Lin's Rockets do.
The Knicks have an All World frontcourt that when healthy can compete against anybody. It's the backcourt that is the problem. Lin would singlehandedly have solved those backcourt woes, albeit at a crippling luxury tax price.
As much as I want the Knicks to fail, u have to give them credit. They are playing well.
DeleteI think Jeremy would've suffered a similar fate had he stuck around. Melo has been playing superbly as of late.
The way that team is built, I don't think they necessarily need Lin- especually not at the price of luxury tax hit. It really looks like the trio of Kidd, Felton, and prions are doing a serviceable job and I'm sure the Knicks fan are happy to see Lin fail thus far in the playoffs.
Too bad though. Their little run will not last long.
Melo's getting a scoring title, coming close in the race to MVP and Woodson in the hunt for the COY -- that's not a little accomplishment. That's huge accomplishment that should be acknowledged. I see a contradiction or unfairness in saying OKC is good without Harden, while saying Knicks are not good without Lin. You gotta be fair.
DeleteKnicks have a better chance to win their Conference than Rockets have a chance of making it thru first round. As much as I don't like Melo's style of play, I have to say he is better than Harden, offensively and defensively. Melo can actually score from everywhere, even without getting foul calls.
DeleteWhen I said "I don't like Melo's style of play", I meant defensively. I love his and JR's offensive game; the way they create room and quickly shoot the ball, it's beautiful to watch.
DeleteThe only reason knicks won is Truth and kg were pretty tired. Actually, i wouldn't be surprised If C's will win the next one...
DeleteKnicks are dangerous when they move the ball.... Almost never .....
The Knicks will go as far as Carmelo takes them. As long as melo is in fire they have a chance.
Deletehttp://www.nba.com/2013/news/04/22/j-r-smith-named-kia-sixth-man-of-the-year.ap/index.html
DeleteJR Smith just won the 6th man of the year; that's not a little accomplishment. Say what you will about JR, but he can give you points quickly against any defense. Melo and his sidekick JR is a formidable offensive threat against anyone, even OKC. No question that Rockets matches up better against Knicks than OKC, but don't tell me that Rockets are a better team than Knicks; that's a laughable assertion. They can be competitive against any team.
The Rockets crushed the Knicks by 20 and 30, so the Knicks are better.
Deleteduh.....
Rockets lost two most important games against two mediocre teams, so Rockets are better. Knicks lost against Rockets when those games were not important, so Knicks are worse. duh . . . .
DeleteIf Lin would have stuck around, Knicks would be #1 eastern conference not Miami.
DeleteJLin > Felton by a mile.
No one could have foreseen what Knicks planned on doing this year. Way they played their PGs its exactly the type of game Lin is suited for.
How wrong was I that Rockets are better for Lin, yes Knicks locker room was toxic to Lin, but gawd, Rockets coaching and FO is toxic to Lin on Rockets!
But Lin will make the best of any situation he is in.
Yeah beating Miami is no small feat, Knicks deserve some credit. Rockets stood 0 chance vs Heat, while Knicks beat Miami 3/4 times this year.
DeleteYes you can say "Oh Knicks suck because Rockets swept them twice". Well its paper-rock-scissors, some teams are just better suited to beat certain teams. But any team that can beat a #1 conference team 3/4 times deserves some credit.
eb5attorney is just a Knicks homer trying to BASH Lin and especially Lin's fans here.
DeleteTROLL.
This is a wasted year for JLin, just like he wasted away a year sitting on the bench for Golden State. He's not getting any closer to being an All Star player for the Rockets ... the Houston offense is like Elementary School, Harden is making all the plays, nothing new to learn here.
ReplyDeleteAfter this season, 2 scenarios: Mchale gets fired as coach, or management blames every failure on Lin and trade him. Either way, Lin has wasted a year of his development for McFail ... and Linsanity is not getting any younger.
Neither is happening. I'm sure of it. Short of McHale coming out and saying racist things, he will get another year. Morey will see how much Lin improves the second year before thinking about trading him .
DeleteBut I agree. This year was a waste for Lin. I expected him to lead this team as the playmaking all star. All he became was marginalized role player.
I share similar sentiments about this being a wasted season, but for slightly different reasons. I think he did learn something new, just not exactly what he needs to learn. Did he improve on role player skills this season? Sure. But that wasn't what this season was supposed to be about. This season was about further establishing himself as a franchise type player.
DeleteI'm not even sure whether Lin will get traded. It does at times seem like they are grooming Bev to become the future guard. But at the same time, that may be explained by the fact that they may just have little confidence in Lin and thus have to resort to Bev. I do not think they have any particular hopes to promote Bev to become a starter.
If Lin doesn't get traded, I actually think McHale will trust Lin more next season, for the simple fact that McHale will have (a teeny bit) more respect for Lin's experience, JLin having gone through a season and a playoff series. After all, McHale at the beginning of the season doubted the players' commitment and ability to execute on the ground that they were so green. By the end of the season, McHale seems to have acknowledged the fact that the guys have come a long way and have done or at least tried really hard in doing what the coaching staff has asked of them. That to me is a sign of further respect for the young players, which (I hope) includes Lin.
If Lin stays, I can imagine more chemistry between McHale and Lin. It won't be as bad as this season.
Good perspective wiic. Maybe if they both stay they will have to trust each other for the simple fact that they are stuck in this together at least for the foreseeable future.
DeleteI think they are high on bev and I wouldn't be surprised , especially if bev continues to play well in the playoffs and Lin continues to struggle , mchale declares that the pg job is up for grabs next season.
But at this point, Lin can only control what he can. And that is to work on being a more consistent shooter. To me that is his biggest weakness especially in this type of offense.
@Lydia, I figure if they work together long enough, Lin will gradually be moulded into what McHale wants out of a PG, and so Lin's evolved game/skill set will become less repugnant to McHale as time goes on. Plus, as a veteran former player himself, I think McHale puts a premium on experience, which Lin will have a bit more off after this season.
Delete@Solidz, I agree there are other signs pointing to them demoting Lin. I remember hearing some news Morey again scouting an overseas point guard when they already have a good back up in Brooks.
As for shooting, I'd say his first priority should be improving on finishing that floater in the paint, which Doc also pointed out. The percentages say that Lin:
- is good at finishing at the rim (61.3%),
- can do better from 16ft to <3-pt (41.3%) and from 3-pt (33.3%), and
- has a particular weakness around the paint area (3 to <10 ft 31.8%, 10 to <16 ft 22.7%)
He is as efficient this year scoring with eFG% 49.0% compared to 47.8% last year. He also slightly improved his 3p%, 33.3% this year compared to 32.0% last year.
His jumpshot% has actually gone down this year at 34.0% compared to 40.2% last year. This is explained by having to shoot spot ups this year compared to shooting off the dribble last year (which the %ass'd of jumpshots show: 53.4% jumpshots were assisted this year compared to 27.3% of jumpshots were assisted last year).
But again, despite lower overall jumpshot percentage, his eFG% has improved slightly, which probably reflects his improved 3pt shooting. His eFG% isn't great, but isn't too far off compared to the Beard's (49% compared to the Beard's 50.4%).
A caveat to his shooting this year is that Lin was recovering from knee surgery. I'm sure his percentages have been better since, for example, the All-Star break.
He does have lots of room to improve on his jump shots because in this system most of them will be assisted e.g. catch and shoot.
(Got the info from basketball-reference.com
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/linje01/shooting/2013/
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/linje01/shooting/2012/
For single seasons; played in the NBA/BAA; in the regular season; in 2012-13; is active; played G; requiring Games Started >= 60; sorted by descending Effective Field Goal Pct.
Wiic..for me, the most important thing that Lin must improve is becoming a more confident shooter - especially the catch and shoot. It is really annoying when Lin is wide open and he hesitates. I think doc pointed this out as well.
DeleteI don't think he'll ever be curry comfortable, but he gets so many open looks un the course of the game that he just needs to let it go with confidence, without any hesitation. Developing a reliable outside shot will vastly open up his offensive game. For me, this is key..
I think he improved a lot. He started all 83 games. I saw the improvement for each month. Do not worry too much. :P
ReplyDeletesince the miami debacle, i haven't seen any ball handling improvement or avoiding/beating traps.
Deleteand he's still driving recklessly INTO traps by himself, and compounding the issue by throwing terrible passes. i don't know what to say. would've thought he'd be waking up every morning with a mission to stop doing that, but clearly i was delusional.
Exactly, ntt. I am not disappointed at Lin's missing shots; I just don't see improvements in the areas you mention. My mouth literally dropped to the floor, and I don't easily get shocked.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWell, same thing about that defense happened on CP3 as well this season. It did not turned out good either. I agree he did not improve in this regard tho. However, even All-star PG will have problems with that kind of defense anyway.
Deletesmh. if you can't see the ball handling improvement, i don't know what to tell you.
Delete0ccupati0, so many scared fans. They're a lost cause, don't even bother reasoning with them.
Deletehe basically took the half-time segment on ESPN ('driving into traps') and pawned it off like he was thinking for himself. it's not the first time athletic defender teams like miami or okc have trapped a good ball handler and made him cough up the ball. if you watched other teams and games, you wouldn't think it was such a singular event.
Deletemore to the point, if you need the larger public to praise Lin in order to justify why you follow him, then perhaps you shouldn't be following Lin. if you don't see for yourself that he's a very talented player irregardless of how he is talked about in various media, then there are surely better things for you to do than being his fan.
DeleteIt's like a gambling addict telling another gambling addict "you shouldn't gamble too much." Come on, be serious. Anyone who checks this site often is addicted to seeing how Lin plays BB game, the drama and related stuff. This is a damn internet; if you can't express your disappointment and anger here, what the heck you doing here?
DeleteI am not telling anyone to not be disappointed or to not express that. It was certainly a very disappointing performance even without high expectations.
DeleteBut I really take issue with seeing the entirety of Lin's performance last night through the prism of a single play in which Lin got trapped. I just don't think that's seeing the game but just pounding the turnover and ballhandling memes. If you're obsessed about those memes, at some point that has little to do with the data before your eyes, but is just about being wrapped up in the prevailing narratives.
OK, anyway you slice it, Lin and Rockets sucked the last game. Hope he plays better next game.
DeleteCan Josh Smith guard Ibaka? Can he provide help defense? Can he pull Ibaka out to the 3pt line? Will he make this team into a contender against OKC?
ReplyDeleteNah, having Josh Smith still won't help Rockets beat OKC. It will help them beat lesser teams. One Ibaka is worth Parsons and Omer together. Certainly, Obaka is way more valuable than Harden IMO especially for OKC.
DeleteI would put Ibaka's value to one Harden, one Parsons and one Omer. :)
DeleteJosh smith can't even handle the pacers' frontcourt....
DeleteOh I still hope Harden slips on a banana and is lost for the rest of the playoffs. Harden is god-awful. He also played like shit. Lin wasn't the only one!! But Lin took the heat/criticism as always!!
ReplyDeleteIt's the only way rockets could win a game against Okc.... We all remember the game against Clippers and sacramento....
DeleteThat's the reason why Khuang is Still sayin: trade Lin wherever and he'll turn his team in a playoff contender or, who knows, even title
how will he ever make up for all the mind f'ing hes endured all season though? he was fearless before joining this team, hes been conditioned into a 'singles hitter' now.
DeleteThose turnovers jeremy Lin had...brutal, I can tell by the way he's playing, he's scared. Lol it was hard to look last night.Nooooo excuse on the how he did horrible last night, none.
ReplyDeleteBetter yet, just turn off TV and don't watch from then on; that's what I did. :)
DeleteI disagree that Lin was scared.
DeleteCompare Lin's free throws at beginning of game (nothing but net) vs. those of Greg Smith (very tentative).
Lin made some bone-headed plays, but I would argue they were because he was too aggressive individually (trying to play hero ball), rather than just playing point guard for the Rockets.
He was forcing stuff, rather than letting things unfold naturally (he doesn't have ability, yet, to control action and dictate how things will unfold, but he does recognize openings defense gives him and deliver ball well in those situations).
The trap that Lin coughed up ball doesn't look good, but two starters (Parsons and Asik) were already on bench with three fouls, and Greg Smith was a total non-factor.
If Lin had Tyson Chandler instead of Asik as pick and roll partner, we probably still wouldn't have won game, but Lin could have looked much better.
Asik can only set pick that allows Lin to accelerate by his own man to basket but at that point his only option now is either score himself or try and drive, draw and dish.
Lin and Harden were essentially out their by themselves against Thunder starters because two of their starters were in foul trouble and Smith was totally invisible.
Lin trying to take charge and getting called for block like 1 minute into game was also total knucklehead play by Lin. It took away his aggressiveness on defense as he had to purposely sag of Westbrook whenever he drove, because if he picked up second foul, he was on bench till third quarter.
That was charge though. Lin usually gets that call. But I agree that really limited his aggression on the defensive end.
DeleteThose two bad plays at the start -- TO passing into traffic, and then a blocking foul -- was Lin being nervous, and that affecting his decisions. That's to be expected for a young player in his first playoff game. Just like how Smith had like two traveling violations when trying to post up;l he's not usually that bad. It happens, and it's to be expected. It's just part of the process.
DeleteDon't expect this to be like Linsanity the Movie: everything that happens is not edited to produce a feel-good sports storyline with a satisfying ending. There is very little in real life that fits neat storylines like that. In fact, there is no ending yet; you are watching a process unfolding with many ups and downs. Yet, the overall arc is discernible: Lin has improved a lot over this season and will continue to do so for sure.
Occupat10, good post. The first TO shocked me, because of all players Lin should know that Asik cannot get those kind of passes into traffic. I am very interested in seeing if Lin can step it up during this playoff series. One good thing is now the bar is set so low after the first game, in all likelihood, Lin will exceed his performance in the first game.
Delete"That was charge though. Lin usually gets that call. But I agree that really limited his aggression on the defensive end."
DeleteThat occurred like 1 minute into game.
That play isn't going to affect outcome of game, but Lin picking up second and sitting for whole first half is significant.
It was a stupid play because he can't risk have ref put him on bench so early on game, or taking away all of his aggressiveness in guarding Westbrook.
The man said he felt every shot was going to go in. How is that a mentality of a scared guy?
DeleteThose two bad plays at the start -- TO passing into traffic, and then a blocking foul -- was Lin being nervous, and that affecting his decisions.
DeleteThat should have manifested in Lin's first two free throws.
Both of those free throws were nothing but net, and it's not like Lin is a great free throw shooter.
Even when he is playing really well, he seems to loose his sense of range and just come up short or long on free throw now and then. He's not an elite shooter and probably never will be (that doesn't mean he can't become a consistent dagger shooter when left wide open).
Those turnovers jeremy Lin had...brutal, I can tell by the way he's playing, he's scared. Lol it was hard to look last night.Nooooo excuse on the how he did horrible last night, none.
ReplyDeleteChanged the pic ... Is someone can't stand the knicks' jersey i'd try to get a new one. It's the only one with jesus in so... :D
ReplyDeleteTryin to fix the pic....
DeleteOk, got it :D
DeleteCan't really see pic as it is too small. The old one looks better. You are not even from NY, why you want the knick's jersey. I thought you are from Europe.
DeleteI'm just so disappointed in some of the Lin fans on this site. C'mon, Lin had his first playoff game for effing sake! It one game and your ready to take up another hobby. How many times have have Lebron choked in the playoffs with the Cavs? jordan, Kobe, cp3, they've all had to learn to handle the nerves and the adrenalin. It didn't take them 1o minutes to get over their nerves, not 1 week, not one season...it took multiple seasons for these so call great players to learn to win.
ReplyDeleteLin sucked 1 playoff game and you're ready to give up on him. Even Mchale will give Lin more leash than you will and that says a lot.
So, let me ask you one question then: After how many playoff games, is it reasonable to expect Lin to not suck in the playoff game (which I really don't have too much problem with because anyone can have bad shooting day) and not play panicky? This is a serious question, not trying to cut down Lin in any way. My opinion is that Lin had enough pressure filled situations in his 3 seasons in NBA already; he should have loved finally being in the playoff. Everyone kept on saying how Lin loves the pressure games and plays well in the pressure-filled games, etc., so of course, it's reasonable for people to believe that. Everyone kept on saying Lin is ice-cold killah. I rather like the honesty of Lin fans who say up front "Damn right I am disappointed, but I am going to watch some more to see skill level and ceiling", rather than saying "No, we should not expect too much, etc. After he's a young player . . . "
DeleteLin said in the post-game interview that he thought every shot was going in (even though he did not hit a single jumper last night). Bad shooting night like that happens sometimes, to everyone. 'Ice in the veins' is not being afraid to take those shots. Lin was nervous for sure but I don't think he played scared.
Delete@Bob C F Chan, no worries, fans come and go. no big deal.
DeleteAny tentativeness on the part of Lin in game 1 I suspect had more to do with continuing to learn to play WITH and OF of James.
DeleteHis first two free throws show he wasn't afraid of the moment and paralyzed with fear like perhaps Greg Smith.
My criticism of Lin focuses more on some bone-headed plays that hurt team:
1) even risking taking a charge in first minutes of game
2) opening the third quarter trying to play hero ball / home run hitter, rather than just trying to grind Rockets back to say 10 point deficit to start fourth. Probability of comeback was low, but Lin shouldn't have been trying Hail Marys at start of third quarter.
Other thing, which is less a criticism but observation, is that he should just eat the ball and take shot clock violation, try and throw ball off defender, or blatantly throw ball out of bounds rather than trying really risky passes that are more than likely going to get picked off for easy transition basket.
Team has just try and hang around game till late in fourth, then try and steal game.
with and off of James.
DeleteBoth James and Jeremy still trying to figure out their roles, so can't rip Lin or Harden for that so early in their careers as backcourt partners.
I don't think it's fair to Jeremy to expect him to deliver in every pressure filled situation.
DeleteBut I also understand those who are venting and expressing anger at Jeremy as well. Obviously a lot of us have incredibly high expectations for him and it is quite disappointing to see him fail. Because for a lot of us, we want Jeremy to succeed and prove the SAS of the world wrong.
I believe that Jeremy is a great player, but I admit i am often vacillating between if he is for real or not especially like last game when he really looks like he doesnt belong. Whenever the doubt sets in, he proves me wrong.
I admit I'm not a " good" fan of Lin but a fan nonetheless. I refuse to have a myopic, fan centric view of his play like some of u here. I will express utter disgust when he plays in fear but I will rejoice like noone else when he does well. I'm sure my emotions will get more leveled as Lin establishes himself more but I'm just being honest with the way I feel.
Occupat10, you are again not understanding why I say he played very hesitantly. I don't mean he's not an ice-veined killah because he missed his shots. It's the way you pass and the decisions you make that's more important to me. I just wanted to make this clear, because people are focusing too much on the fact that he missed 5 or 6 open jumpers. That's no big deal to me. Like I said, even if Lin made 3 or 4 shots of 8 shots he took, I would still say he played badly. Parsons also played badly, not because he missed his shots, but because he was driving to the lane with his eyes closed. Parsons panicked also, not just Lin. That's why I blame Harden the most because he out of all players has the most playoff experience, but because this is a Lin site, I try to limit my comments to Lin.
DeleteI love how so-called Lin fans are hating on his game because his teammates failed to make their cuts and play their game.
DeletePlaying "hesitantly" is APPROPRIATE when a top rated OKC defense seals off driving and passing lanes.
That's why I don't buy eb5attorney's myopic criticisms of Lin as being inferior to the horrible Beverley.
Yeap, blame everyone but Lin. I guess that will never change. Again, KHuang twisting my words. I clearly said Bev is inferior as BB player and has a lower ceiling than Lin, but I like Bev's confidence. Words twister is KHuang's game.
DeleteYou shouldn't like Bev's confidence, eb5attorney.
DeletePlayers who screw up the game as much as Bev does have no right to be confident.
Solid, I agree. Where is that Bamboo Forest guy I like also. I also want to hear what M Terry guy has to say, what he thought of how Lin played.
DeleteKHuang, I see you hate Bev for some reason. That I don't understand. Bev, as a backup, is pretty decent IMO.
DeleteGood thing khuang not delusional or biased.
DeleteHa, ha. Strangely, I enjoy bantering with khuang. Now, I know I am addicted to this site. I bet KHuang brings a lot of posters who want to argue with him. If I was the Admin of this site, I would designate KHuang an honorary lifetime member. :) I have to admit though KHuang has been very consistent in his position, just as I have been.
DeleteI agree khuang is the fan Jeremy deserves (Lin rarely does anything wrong in his eyes no matter what da outcome). Me in the other hand...
DeleteI on the other hand am a BAD Lin Fan, whose account on this site should be taken away or never allowed to post anything. if there are 10 levels of Lin fans (with 10 being the most ardent and loving fan), I should receive 1 point. I should win a BAD LIN FAN of the year award.
DeleteLydia, I never tried to hide this from way back, so I would say I am now kinda close to the way SAS thinks of Lin's game. Specifically, he states now that Lin will reach a very good PG level in 2 or 3 years, and SAS is not hesitant to blast Lin for his not "showing up". He said there is a difference between playing badly and playing so badly that it's embarrassing to watch the player play, and that was Lin during the last game. And my point is that even when CP3 or others played badly, they never played this badly. You see, even when Lin played badly for 2 quarters, he always managed to play pretty well after, so this was really the first time Lin played this badly during this year.
DeleteYour problem, eb5attorney, is that you've been a LIN HATER from the start.
DeleteYour ego must be bruised from Lin PUNKING YOU, REPEATEDLY.
Khuang at least none of us have boed him in public. That's messed up! :p
DeleteKHuang is the real hater because he boos Lin in public. I only boo him in my house. I admit that I am not a Lin Lover. I like him, I respect his BB game, and I think he may or may not become an All-star during his career (well, if many Asians vote for him, he will become an All-Star), even if he doesn't get injured. So to be specific, Lin may or may not be able to average All-Star numbers of let's say 17 points and 8 assists per game in one season during his career. I think there is 50/50 chance for me. If that's a hater, so be it. I tend to think that's a great compliment. Do I have to say that Lin will for sure average one day 20 points and 10 assists for me to be considered a real Lin fan like you? Your problem is you like to call everyone a Hater, and I will punk you repeatedly if you keep that up.
DeleteKHuang, I dare you to make a prediction of Lin's numbers for next year. If he stays with Rockets which is likely I am going to predict 14 points and 6.5 assists for next year. Put your money where your mouth is punk.
DeleteThe difference between me and you, eb5attorney, is that I don't make predictions that can't be justified in reality.
DeleteSorry about your 12 ppg prediction. I did warn you that you'd fail on that, didn't I?
So, when a team has a leading scorer in NBA, 6th Man of the Year and a former Defensive Player of the Year, they still suck? Oh, yeah, Rockets have a former 6th Man of the Year and Linsanity Lin and a great coach and GM, right, and a great fan base, right? Be fair and give a credit where it's due. Anyone who thinks Rockets are a better team than Knicks, it's hard to think they are not blatantly biased.
ReplyDeleteIt's not just the difference in talent between the two teams. The Knicks have a very clear idea of what they are doing. At the core, it's basically letting Melo dominate as power forward and when he is doubled, swing the ball out for threes. It's a perfect system designed around Melo's strengths. Meanwhile, the Rockets don't have clear and effective idea of what to do as a team when they are NOT getting transition buckets.
DeleteYes, I agree. I forgot to add that Knicks have a better coach also.
DeleteTo add to that final thought: no strategy when the Rockets are NOT getting transition buckets and NOT hitting their threes. They shot 8 for 36, 22%, from the three point line last night. That right there is game over. And Asik/Smith are not going to get paint buckets against the Thunder defense. I don't think having Smith in the lineup will work well against the Thunder. They are going to have to throw DMo in there, or do more of the small ball Lin-Harden-Bev lineup, and have Lin guard the opposing PG. Regardless, Ibaka is a big game changer for them on both defense and being able to hit perimeter shots. The matchup is just so unfavorable for the Rockets.
DeleteThe Knicks suck BAD when they get HAMMERED by Lin's Rockets in revenge games.
DeleteRockets suck worse when they can't even win two games at the end to avoid playing OKC.
DeleteI agree with Occupati).
DeleteThe lack of set plays, combined with the youthful inexperience of Rockets, made them look awful yesterday.
Denver Nuggets first game against Warriors also looked sticky and lacking free flow of ball movement during regular season, presumably because it was playoff and Warriors fairly decent match up against them. Nuggets looked better in fourth, but early on you could see a bit of resemblance to what happens with Rockets all too often.
When Harden is NOT playing, the Rockets play great with Lin in charge.
DeleteBut even with Harden playing selfishly, that's more than enough to UTTERLY DENOUNCE AND TROUNCE the top seeded Leastern conference Knicks.
Even without Lin, Knicks have 2nd best record in the Eastern Conf and a good record against Western teams. Is that what you are trying to say?
DeleteAt this point in time, the Knicks are playing much better than the rockets with a clear focus. Who cares about regular season head to head at this point. U want your team to start peaking around now. The Knicks had a long winning streak going to end the season and their best player has been playing unbelievably - bit to mention the emerging play if jr smith. Woodson has done a remarkable job if getting guys ready to play well at the right time in spite if all the injuries.
DeleteThe Rox in the other hand backed into the playoffs losing to the worst team in the western conference with really lackadaisical effort in a very umportant game. Harden has not looked the same since returning from injury. Lin has been erratic as well. This is not the way to get into the playoffs.
So at this point in time, the Knicks are playing much much better. The Rox, ... they would still have hard time beating Phoenix.
And I blame McHale and the coaching staff for not getting the team ready. This is what happens when u don't have a set rotation going ir quite erratic with your substitution pattern.
DeleteExactly Solidz75. Really good teams, all they have to do is peak at the right team. That's all it matters. I agree that a playoff series against Phoenix and Rockets will be very competitive.
DeleteMJ and the bulls got swept first round the first 3 years of making into the post season, it took him 5 seasons to post season play to win his first of many.
DeleteLebron had 7 seasons in Cleveland and gagged badly in the playoffs. He then joined Wade and Bosh and still gagged in his 8th season as a pro.
Lin is in his 2nd year as a pro and first playoff game. MJ is considered arguably the greatest player of all time. So I expect that we should give him a pass until at least having failed to win a post season game 12 times before giving up on him!
Lin will be fine.
DeleteWoodson > McHale. And you just can't argue around experience/salaries of Knicks vs Rockets.
McHale...Not sure what he is good for. I don't know if y'all watched the short clips of playoff coaches talking in huddles during their first playoff game...Most of them are composed and going about a plan and telling their team what must be done...
McHale: Fight fight fight. Uh yeah, how's about a plan coach, other than ISO and going small?
Lol was half expecting him to break out his etch and sketch.
Dude I realize u r trying to prop up Lin but lebron didn't gag in the playoffs. He just couldn't win a championship. Remember the 24 straight points against Detroit?
DeleteI don't remember lebron or Jordan doing nearly as bad as Lin did in the playoffs. Don't equate team failure with individual failures. Individually those players were monsters.
I don't remember Lebron or Jordan going into the playoffs with a minimum age minimum age roster, either.
DeleteSTOP HATING ON LIN, TROLLZ.
FYI, ebron had noone on his team when he played the playoffs.
Deleteand I'm not going any further because of the obvious fallacy of trying to compare Lin to lebron
I'm not comparing Lin to Lebron, I'm comparing Lin to any player that's ever played the game. I'm not saying he is any better, I'm just saying that even the all time greats have trouble handling pressure and the nerves when it comes to playoff games.
DeleteI'm saying that its a learning process that each player must go through.
I'm saying that Lin had a bad first playoff game, so what...it's not unusual because it has happened to every single player to play the game.
I'm saying that to judge Lin or sh@t on him is unjust and totally uncalled for.
I don't think anyone here is sh*tting on him, but if he played horribly one game in his first playoff game, yeah, one could have some doubt. But if Lin plays next 3 games pretty well, then we can write it off as the first nervous playoff game thing. But what if let's say Lin plays pretty bad for next 3 losses? Heck, yes, that might influence me to reevaluate his upside, because my opinion is the playoff is an entirely different game. Even with LeBron, people have an entirely different image of him because he won the Championship. It's too bad that Lin doesn't get to play with LeBron instead. But you know what? If Lin plays with LeBron, he might become more marginalized. In fact, I don't know if there is any team with a GM or coach who would hand the ball to Lin like D'Antoni did out of desperation. I will believe that when I see it.
DeleteFor the first time ever, I agree with SAS. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_klB1EUD8oI
ReplyDeleteLike I said, all the haters are coming out from their hiding..
DeleteI listened to him, and actually what he said is very reasonable. I agree with 95% of what he said. He was actually very reasonable on Lin, and even said in two or three years that he expects Lin to be a very good player, but that Knicks was right to let Lin go; and that last game, Lin did absolutely nothing positive.
DeleteActually, what SAS says this time is not such hating stuff. He actually agrees with many of the posters that it will take 2 to 3 years for Lin to reach a very good player level, but Lin definitely is not there yet.
DeleteLydia, I actually do think Lin fans' "loving" attitude has changed SAS' view of Lin. What he says now is not too bad, although I do not agree Harden is a "stud" -- only offensively maybe. He also cut down Harden hard by saying his playoff performance is really bad, and he has not delivered as the messiah of Rockets.
DeleteLol SAS is a JLin fan. Don't let his pretend hate fool you. When JLin becomes a legit all star, he'll be the first person to tell you "I told you so".
DeleteStat wise JLin didn't deliver. Without him they have no hope of winning, but what SAS didn't mention was JLin had no help either, you can't "PG" when you are shoved into the corner on 80% of Rox possessions and deferring the ball to lesser guards.
I don't agree with what people say about if JLin was PG he would have made no difference. If he was PG and was employed like one, as in, offense ranned through him, instead of a SG wannabe superstar, with the rest of team behind him, he would have made a HUGE difference.
And he blasted Harden equally. Cause Harden well played like garbage.
SAS wasn't wrong: there was a lot of "deer in headlights" look. McHale is to blame for this, for your team to look absolutely lost shows just how prepared they are, and that's entirely on coaching staff's hands, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE TEAM IS THIS YOUNG AND INEXPERIENCED!
By hands I mean shoulders. Its SAS's way of blasting McHale without saying "McHale you are an idiot" outright, and Bayless sort of alluded to that as well.
DeleteSo now it's okay that since SAS says that Lin will be a very good player in 2 or 3 years, it legitimizes what we've been saying?
DeleteGive me a break! Sure he had a bad game and he choked, he panicked and he hit the wall mentally. But that doesn't mean he will be down for long. It's all part of his journey to achieve his personal best.
I believe in Lin because of what I've seen in his game and in his mental toughness. Khuang and I may disagree on a few things but I believe we don't differ on our faith in Lin based upon our knowledge of the game and on our hope for a Chinese vanguard to slay the PREDJUDICE thrust upon us. What annoys me even more is our own sometimes perverse disbelief in our race's ability to compete on the world stage with other stars. The fact that we need the acknowledgement of SAS to anoint Lin a good pg is a asset in point.
Athletes like Lin, Lui Xiang, Michael Chang, Li Na all have shown us that we are capable to compete with the best of the world. Believe it!
SAS is echoing what many Lin fans have been saying for long time; that's a good thing, not a bad thing. General public hears more from him than us, so of course, he has more influence. Of course, he has less knowledge about Lin because he can't see all the games. However, it's dangerous to believe in some destiny stuff. Like I said, Lin is already a NBA starter, but for me, the fun is in not knowing if he will be an All-Star or not. To be frank, if I knew for sure Lin would be an All-Star, it would not make it as interesting or dramatic, I guess. Lin not becoming an All-Star does not disprove that some Taiwanese American vanguard cannot be just as good. I don't need Lin to prove that to me, because I have seen Asian swimmers do very well in swimming, fencing, etc., in all kinds of sports where once it was thought they would not do well. I played soccer, and I was actually always surprised why there are not yet the world class level Asian soccer player, because I always thought soccer did not favor big guys. Lin already proved to me that he can play, so that's not an issue. But since this is a Lin site, what else can we do but to criticize him or applaud him as he plays? This site would not be fun if I have to applaud him all the time. Personally, I feel I applaud him a lot of times, and I actually spent some time at CL site pointing out strong aspects of Lin's game.
DeleteThat's where we differ, I happen to believe in destiny because it is a self delusional belief of our ability to achieve greatness. If you don't believe it, then you will never be able to break records. Take the case of the 4 impute mile, it was believed to be impossible, but once Banister broke it, many other who didn't believe it before broke that mark the following year.
DeleteKierkegaard once said that as a philosopher, it was his responsibility to doubt the rules and confines of previously held beliefs. It is by this method that the greatest human endeavors become "game changers".
This is the true role of human athletics. It's not purely entertainment or being role models for kids. It's about one human beings self delusion and unwavering belief in himself or herself to break beyond what was the norm and accepted limits of human achievements. It's like Tiger Woods having Jck Nicholas's record of 18 majors on the wall of his bedroom. You must begin with that delusional self belief.
Beverly played better because he has no pressure against top teams and he is a bench player.Nobody give a fuck about him even he play like shit.
ReplyDeleteI have a question for all the Lin fans on this page who are pre-Linsanity.I have been a die hard fan of Jeremy's since he saved Knicks from ruin last year. I have watched every game since then(even if on league pass or tivo). I know many of you have as well. I am not buying that it was just nerves that caused Lin to play horribly last night. We all have seen these games from Jeremy before, even against low stakes crappy teams. He goes from a confident aggressive playmaking explosive threat, to a fumbling zombie. In NY after Linsanity when Woodson came, Jeremy had consistent level of play. He played point guard, and played 6 solid games with Melo and Amarie back before his injury. He didn't have these extreme swings in performance like in Houston. My question is, in Harvard days and before, did he have these ups and downs? Did he loose his shot and make rushed decisions for random games and then bounce back? Is it just in Houston or has this been Lin's pattern his whole career to date? Is it the multi-pg system that is causing this because J Lin is in a new and grey area, or is he prone to this? Any opinions would be appreciated. 2 long days until Wed.PLEEEEEEAAASE Lin bring your A game!
ReplyDeleteWhat McHale did to this kid is a travesty. he has been turned into a role player without a role. instead of playing to his strengths he has actually made all his glaring weaknesses loud and clear. F'd with his mind every other game to the point where Derek Fisher can get one by him now.
DeleteI think only Lin knows. Yes, in the Rockets' system, he was forced out of his comfort zone and his natural playing style, that much is true. But in the long run, if this forces him to improve in certain areas, he might become a more complete player. You know as well as I do Rose that in Knicks, he just handled the ball a lot, and Melo wasn't a SG or PG, so Melo at least gave Lin opportunity to handle the ball, even if Melo ultimately ended up with the ball. But Harden is worse because he also likes to handle the ball and actually shoots better when he has the ball. And now, Bev is even handling the ball, as well as Parsons, so no surprise there that Lin's numbers are off. You can make a strong argument that Lin will never become an All-star in Rockets' system.
DeleteI do not care what SAS said. Lin is Lin. What SAS said will not bother/change my opinion. Everyone is a unique individual. Lin IS a very good player now. What he showed to us is a bad playoff game. So what? It is not the end of world. I am willing to give Lin a benefit of doubt that this may be a fluke.
ReplyDeleteOf course, it's not the end of world. Your opinion is all that matters. Lin's own opinion of what he can do is all that matters. It ain't as if Lin is going to send us a thank you letter for talking about him.
DeleteHere we are everyone got heated up talking about Lin and all. Even some points their finger at Lin and complained about his first playoff performance(mostly the idiot 'MURICA and mass/social media).
ReplyDeleteDo they even noticed that it was also McHale's first playoff gig as a head coach? Nobody out there(besides us) willing to evaluate how bad his game plan is? Can he actually draw plays/sets? Is there anybody out there questioning why this BULLY is in the head coaching business in the first place?
No because he is a HOF player and had a family tragedy, the media will leave him alone.
DeleteIt is like no matter how many times Lin puts up great performances and demonstrates his abilities, the moment he has one bad game he is immediately seen as a scrub again. At the same time, other players put up a few great games and are immediately billed as future stars, having great potential, etc. And if they put up some shitty games afterwards, it is considered normal growing process. I find it really sad for these people who have nothing better to do than to hate on someone they don't even know.
ReplyDeleteFor me, I just want to enjoy Lin's play and not worry about other people's opinion. No reason to get upset by the words of some random people you will never meet who have absolutely no influence whatsoever over Lin's or our lives.
Well said. Everyone should have their opinion and leave it at that. Besides, Lin doesn't know us either.
DeleteAnd your opinion of the people on this board is VERY LOW, eb5attorney.
DeleteSince day one, you have never ceased to flame people here.
Don't worry, we have low opinions of trolls like you that hate people on this forum.
Dicktator like u are oh person I don't like hater. To hate somewhere else punk.
DeleteI can just see it now. Rockets lack that other superstar for success after Harden's valiant effort against former team, must pursue free agent market. Even more marginalization of Lin ensues (if that's even possible).
ReplyDeleteNow I do not know where it has the bads comments, here or cluchfan
ReplyDeleteFirst Lin played very bad and will probably play bad the next
I only wait Lin play well in Game 3 in Houston
ReplyDeleteFrom Phenom to Everyday N.B.A. Player
“It seems like everybody’s perception of me is very bipolar,” Lin said. “To one group, it’s overpaid, overrated; to another group, it’s underpaid, underrated, underdog. It’s funny to me because there’s no real balance. Why can’t I just be a young player who’s shown some potential and has a lot of learning to do?”
The story have been written: Linsanity gradually faded upon the return of Melo and died when D'Antoni was gone. Lin can be dangerous if he is fit in the gameplan. He doesn't need superstars.
ReplyDelete