Jeremy Lin Back at the Center of NBA Universe With Charlotte Hornets Looking for Big Game 5 Performance Against Miami Heat
Don't look now, but Jeremy Lin is again performing like a full-fledged member of the NBA's All-Star galaxy.
The veteran journeyman was at his absolute best when his Charlotte Hornets' season was on the line in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first round series against the Miami Heat.
When all was said and done, the Hornets had convincingly dug their way out of a 2-0 hole to forge a 2-2 tie and Lin had sparked talk of his run on Broadway and his era of "Linsanity" with the New York Knicks.
Lin Shooting as Many Free Throws as LeBron James
In just 34 minutes, he finished with 21 points, three assists and two steals. Over the course of the series, his aggressive nature has wreaked havoc on the suddenly mentally fragile Heat, with the swingman earning as many playoff free throw attempts as the likes of LeBron James and James Harden.
His average of 11.5 drives per game also rank him in fourth in the entire postseason, behind point guards Isaiah Thomas, Jeff Teague and teammate Kemba Walker. Overall, he's averaging better than 19 points and shooting over 50 percent on two-point attempts.
With the series now returning to Miami for Wednesday night's critical Game 5, the Hornets will surely need an encore performance from the man who has emerged as Walker's best supporting running mate.
With owner Michael Jordan anxiously looking on, Lin also unleashed the shot of the night during the team's come-from-behind Game 4 victory, a dagger like, fourth quarter three over a closing Udonis Haslem.
Lin Gives Jordan Shrug Shooting
The shot evoked a classic "Jordan Shrug" from Lin, just a few feet from where the six-time NBA champion himself beamed in awe.
"I didn't think about that until after the game," Lin said of the immediate comparisons. "Me and Kemba were talking about it. That was kind of 'Angels in the Outfield;' it was a blessing from God. That shot, when I let it go, there was no chance it would go in."
The Hornets will need even more of Lin's magic to hold off Dwyane Wade and the Heat in Game 5 and to stand any real chance of advancing onward.
All eyes will be on the Harvard grad and veteran swingman. But then, that's nothing new.
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