Jeremy Lin is Officially Not a Fad

Lin’s most recent performance against the Toronto Raptors wasn’t the greatest on paper. He shot 9 of 20 from the field and 7 of 11 from the free throw line, on his way to 27 points, 11 assists and 8 turnovers. That being said, the 11 field goal misfires, the four botched free throws and the eight not-so-glorious turnovers were all but forgotten after he nailed a game-winning three pointer.

The New York Knicks had trailed almost the entire game, yet down the stretch, they fought their way back from a 17-point deficit. More importantly than their come-from-behind victory though, was where New York turned to help them get there.

With the game on the line, the Knicks put the ball not in the hands of Amar’e Stoudemire, but in the hands of a second-year point guard, barely two weeks removed from being a nobody.

Yes, it was only the Raptors, but the resiliency exuded by Lin would have been just as evident against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite having an off-shooting night, Lin continued to attack the basket. Despite struggling to contain Jose Calderon, Lin continued to battle on defense. And despite his proneness to turnovers, Lin continued pass the rock.

What Lin has done over the past six games is nothing short of miraculous, but from hereon out, it will be nothing short of routine. While his weaknesses will continue to be scrutinized, his abilities can no longer be questioned.

Lin has faced Goliath in Kobe Bryant, and won. And now, he has faced a much lesser opponent, on a night where he was anything but on fire, and still won.

Is it too early to call Lin great? Perhaps, but it must be noted that the great players find ways to win no matter what, and that’s exactly what Lin has done.

The Knicks winning streak will undoubtedly come to an end at some point, and the hype surrounding Lin will eventually subdue, but no one can take away what he has officially accomplished.

Lin may or may not be a savior. He may or may not become a star. And He may or may not become the world’s most popular player. Yet, for now, none of that matters, as his greatest accomplishment isn’t becoming a part of any of those conversations.

Lin’s most substantial achievement came late Tuesday night when he hit the go ahead three against Toronto. Not only did he win the game, but it was here that he also won the right to be considered an actual NBA player, and not just a fad that could fade as quickly as it emerged.