TORONTO, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) — Jeremy Lin scored only seven points in a 96-103 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday afternoon.
“It was a disappointing one (game),” said Lin, during the post-game press conference. “We obviously didn’t get the win and I didn’t think we played particularly well. Not the best feeling, but we have another one tomorrow.”
Last season, the phenomenon known as Linsanity was at its height when Lin hit a game-winning three-pointer with less than a second left against the Raptors.
One season later, the buzz has cooled off and Lin’s performance has been inconsistent.
The single-digit scoring output was already the 11th time this season he has failed to score more than 10 points in the 23 games as a starter. Last season with the Knicks, Lin had only three games with less than 10 points in his 25 games as a starter.
When asked to comment his performance so far this season, Lin used one word to describe it, “Terrible,” said Lin. “I think I’m not doing close to what I’m capable of doing. It’s a matter of figuring out of how to play more like myself within the system.”
The system employed by Rockets head coach Kevin McHale has been difficult to execute this season, as the roster experienced high turnover in an offseason that saw the departures of ten players via trade of free agency.
“I think a lot of guys are searching for themselves and trying to figure out where they are. A lot of times guys are searching for their offense. We just could not get anything going (today),” said McHale after the game.
Along with Lin, teammates James Harden and Omer Asik were the three key offseason additions made by Rockets general manager, Daryl Morey.
Lin understands that change does not result in immediate success.
“It’s a process and it’s pretty early on; it doesn’t feel like it because 23 games is a college season. We’ve got to look at the big picture; there’s still a lot to grow and a lot to learn,” said Lin. “The biggest thing for all of us as a team is comfort. When you’re comfortable, everything is easy, everything flows and right now, we don’t have that.”
The Rockets will need to find their form as their next match is against the 18-5 New York Knicks tomorrow night. For Lin, it will mark the return to Madison Square Garden for the first time since his offseason signing with Houston.
“This will be my first return back to MSG, and there’ll never be another first return,” said Lin. “There will probably be a bit of nostalgia, or reminiscing, and thankful for those times because those were great times. At the same time, it’s the next chapter.”
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