Since playing for the New York Knicks back in the 2011-12 season and making that impressive 17-game romp that gave birth to his moniker as Linsanity, Jeremy Lin has always been a fan-favorite at the Madison Square Garden, the home of the Knicks.
Even when he eventually signed with the Houston Rockets the following season for that lucrative $25 million three-year contract, he was still a fan-favorite whenever his team visits the Madison Square Garden and play against the Knicks. The same thing happened when he moved to the Los Angeles Lakers last season.
Since playing 35 games for the Knicks during the 2011-12 season, Jeremy Lin has only visited and played at the Madison Square Garden thrice, one each for every season.
However, when he signed up with the Charlotte Hornets during the off-season, he moved from a Western Conference team to an Eastern Conference squad. The Hornets normally face the Knicks four times during the regular season, two on their respective home floor, and two on the road.
While the 2015-16 NBA season is just on its early stage at this time, the Hornets and the Knicks have already played twice, the first one was held at the Hive, the Hornets’ home floor, last week and the second one was on November 17 at the Madison Square Garden.
During their first encounter, the Hornets defeated the Knicks and Jeremy Lin was among those who contributed in defeating the Carmelo Anthony-led squad.
So when Jeremy Lin and his Hornets team visited the Madison Square Garden on the afternoon of November 17 to play against the new-look Knicks, they were welcomed by the always lively and animated crowd. However, instead of the usual cheers that normally accompany Jeremy Lin whenever he is called to play on the court, he was met with boos that spilled out of the stands of the Madison Square Garden, notes Newsday.
A spark off the bench
Jeremy Lin was a former Knicks phenomenon. So when he checked in during their November 17 game with 2:28 remaining in the first quarter, his entry was uncharacteristically met with loud boos.
The 27-year-old Harvard graduate sparked his team upon his entry by turning a nine-point deficit in the first quarter into an eight-point lead in the second quarter. But come the half-time, the Hornets was only ahead by two points on the Knicks.
The second half, however, turned out to be a Knicks show as the team run away with a 102-94 victory over the Hornets.
During the post-game interview, Jeremy Lin says that he is not bothered at all with the boos and jeers because he is playing against the home team which is part of playing in the NBA. He said that he would actually be surprised if he comes to the Madison Square Garden again and gets cheered because that would be absurd.
On their defeat on the hands of the Knicks, he said that they did not hit a lot of shots that they normally make and they did not defend the way they are capable of doing.
No issues with Melo
When asked about his relationship with Carmelo Anthony amid rumors that the Knicks star got jealous of him during his Linsanity days with the team, Jeremy said that he cannot speak on behalf of the prolific forward.
Jeremy says that Anthony has been great. He is cordial and nice to him every time they get the opportunity to talk. He believes there is no issue between him and Anthony, notes the New York Post.
He also said that he is happy with his decision to sign with the Charlotte Hornets for only $4.4 million for two years instead of playing for larger market teams that he came from including the Golden State Warriors, the New York Knicks, the Houston Rockets, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
He revealed that he had a chance to rejoin his hometown squad and reigning NBA champion Golden State Warriors during the off-season, but he wanted a bigger role in a team.
Jeremy said that he entertained the idea of playing for the Warriors again. He also felt that the team had something great going but if he goes back, he would have a very limited role considering that he will be subbing for NBA MVP Stephen Curry.
who cares if JLIN is not the fave crowd of MSG even poezingris is the crowd fave he cannot copy what did LINSANITY in new york history porzingris is 7foot three and number 4 draft pick this season so what doesnt prove anything from JLIN !
Agreed. Linsanity can never never be replaced in the history of NBA.