Linsanity In Perspective

All he does is Lin.  Linsanity.  Linvincible.  Nicknames aside, the Asian Sensation can ball.  Leading the Knicks, who were 8-15 before this run, to seven straight wins has certainly been impressive.  Before everyone hops on the J-Lin Express, they need to look at the big picture.  I got love for my Asians doin' work in the league, but how impressive has this run been and can it last?

In the Knicks' last seven games, they have played only one team that would be in the playoffs if the season ended today (Lakers).  During this time they also got to play the Nets, Raptors, and Wizards, all of whom still have single digit wins.  While people will make the argument that they were supposed to beat these teams anyways, I would still like to see stiffer competition before going all Lin.

The stretch I am most interested in is from March 4th to the 17th.  During that stretch they go to Boston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Milwaukee, face the Sixers at the Garden, travel to Chicago, home against Portland, then a home and home against the Pacers.  If the Knicks can win at least five of those games, I would be sold.  Getting wins against cupcakes is nice and expected, but until Lin tussles with the big boys, I can't say he is the future.

Another issue that has arisen is the Melo/Amare issue and whether they can play with Lin.   There seems to be one side saying they cannot coexist because Melo and Amare would need too many touches, become selfish, and the lanes that Lin was used to driving in would be closed.  The other side says they can coexist and the return of Melo and Amare would do nothing but enhance Lin's play because those players are so talented.  I tend to side with the latter.

I do not think Amare should be as much of a concern as Melo.  Amare played with a true point guard in Steve Nash in Phoenix and flourished and I think Lin can be similar in terms of dishing the rock.  Melo, on the other hand, has always been the man.  From Syracuse, to Denver, up until now, he has always been the go to guy on the team.  Will he iso himself or take one on one jump shots, instead of feeding off Lin's offense of ball screens, cuts to the basket, and kick outs?  If he does, expect the New York media to have a field day when the Knicks lose their first game with the three of them playing together.  Headline:  "Knicks' Streak Linished in Melo Return."

Despite all this, I do think there is hope.  Even against lesser competition, he put up comparable numbers to stars in the league against those same teams.  He outplayed the Black Mamba in MSG.  The game winner he had against Toronto reminded me of a Kevin Durant type play.  He waved off his teammates, did one subtle crossover dribble, hand in his face, and knocked down the three.  Game, Knicks.  They are currently the 8th seed in the East, and right on the heels of the AARP Three in Boston.  If this play continues, I could see them getting as high as the 3rd or 4th seed and avoiding the Bulls or Heat in the first round.  No matter the scenario, I expect them to make noise in the playoffs.  A title this year?  Probably not.  A title down the road with Lin as the point guard?  Doesn't sound so Linsane anymore.

Matty O

Also, if Melo, Amare, and Lin do play well together, I have a name for them.  Heard it here first.  Ammelin (pronounced ah-mel-in).