Los Angeles Lakers captured their third straight victory after avenging their earlier loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves 100-94 on Sunday at Target Center.
As expected, Kobe Bryant took the spotlight after surpassing Michael Jordan for no.3 in NBA All-Time scoring list, but Jeremy Lin has also made an accomplishment behind the scene by putting up another solid outing in limited minutes off the bench.
Lin, who recorded 14 points on 6-of-14 shooting with eight assists and one block in Friday's 112-110 win against defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs, delivered eight points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals in 20 minutes of playing time against the T-Wolves.
After a dull effort in the first two games after Byron Scott relegated him to the bench, Ling might have finally found his niche as the playmaker of the Lakers' second unit. Indeed, his strong showing off the bench in the past two games has been huge for the team's success as of late.
Will Lin Regain His Starting Job?
While the 26-year old Lin was simply the better point guard than Ronnie Price, who just recorded a total of 2 points and 6 assists between the Spurs and T-Wolves games. There's no assurance the Asian-American star will regain his starting job from Price, especially if the Lakers continue to win game.
Still, analysts think it would be better for Lin to play more extended minutes, more so in the fourth quarter when the Lakers needed another offensive weapon aside from Kobe Bryant.
"The low playing time is a serious concern, but Lin was coming off a 14-point, eight-assist performance in 30 minutes on Friday and he has enough upside to be worth holding a few more weeks," according to Roto World.
"There are no guarantees that Ronnie Price (two points, two assists in 25 minutes) will keep the starting PG job, though immediate changes are unlikely with the Lakers riding a three-game win streak."
Lin is averaging at least 11 points and 5 assists in his first season with the Lakers.
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