Halftime: HOU 48 and NOH 40
The game started out really well for the Rockets!! Harden is playing well with 11 pts already. Lin started out the game with a beautiful 3pter and has 9 pts already, which is better than how is has played in the last few games and better than when he played the Bobcats when he only had 4pts the whole game. And Morris with his chocolate lips also, had a powerful 3pter! Parsons had a nice dunk! Just a really really good start for the Rockets and though the Hornets came close to matching the gap, they never succeeded. Another good thing is that Lin is not being benched for most of the first half, so his potential to score and assist is looking better already.
Final Score: HOU 100 and NOH 82
The Rockets won…ironically, and I say ironically because their last game against the Hornets on Jan. 9th was where things started to go downhill for the Rockets and it was after that game that they lost their winning streak and proceeded to lose 8 of their next 9 games. So thank goodness for this win!! It was what they needed to help boost their moral and it was what McHale hoped for after he gave them a pep talk which included showing them video of all their positive plays, and not just their negative ones. During the second half of the game, it was like the Hornets had no defense at all…there was so much space on the floor that Harden, Morris, Delfino, etc. were left wide open for shots. Harden and Lin also got fouled, much to the Hornets displeasure, which was evident in the shouting from the fans. Towards the end, it was like a disaster for the Hornets as they unraveled and couldn’t even get a basket in during the very last moments of the 4th quarter.
TOP 5 SCORERS:
1) Harden: 30 pts, 4 rbds, 8 assts
2) Patterson: 18 pts, 13 rbds, 0 assts
3) Delfino: 14 pts, 3 rbds, 2 assts
4) Lin: 13 pts, 5 rbds, 8 assts
5) Parsons: 10 pts, 3 rbds, 2 assts
Overall a good game for the Rockets as a team and I think Jeremy played better than he has been these past few nights. But with that being said…I still do not think he is playing with the same aggression that he used to have. For example, tonight Jeremy put up 13pts, which isn’t bad but I feel like it’s just the safe average for a player, who has the potential to score in the 20s every night. If it wasn’t for power plays from Harden or Parsons, sometimes Jeremy’s points wouldn’t make much of a difference in a win-lose situation. I feel like I’ve held his hand all season and been like, “it’s ok…it was still a good game…you will score big next time…” and I’ve been waiting for him to regain his mojo back and I’m still waiting and it’s about to be February already!! How does everyone else feel about this?? Am I being too critical of Jeremy???
Also here is a post-practice interview Jeremy did yesterday: http://www.nba.com/rockets/video/jeremy-lin-01242013. It sounds like Jeremy is trying to say that Harden is the leader of the team and that everyone else should play around Harden. I don’t really know if I like that. I feel like Jeremy is better when he is leading the team and when he can the other players can help play around him. Or why does there even have to be only ONE leader…why can’t it be both Jeremy and Harden?! What do you all think about this?? On a side note…Jeremy’s smile at the end of the video when he was talking about Harden was too cute!!
I’m waiting for video highlights and will share those on here, once people start uploading them.
credit: http://simplyawnya.tumblr.com/
And really Jeremy…really?! Do you love popcorn that much?? Or do you just need something to hold onto…because I am probably the same size as that bag of popcorn and I don’t smell like butter. Just saying…LOL 
K, strange we posted the same Pat Patt tweet and popcorn pic hahaha.
Nah, you’re not overly critical of Jeremy. I mean, as compared to who the Clutchfans clowns who seem to hate their own team?! Nah =] You alright. I think Jer played a well-rounded game he got 6steals btw and +/ – = +17 that’s actually good player efficiency. I’m no bball nerd but my eyes tell me this is a good TEAM-driven win. The Nuggets coach is right in saying that Jer is the motor of the team…when he plays well, the team wins. =]
STAY AWAY from Clutchfans. Seriously…
As for being critical – be careful now… LOL You wouldn’t want to offend those who think the sun rises and sets at the altar of Jeremy Lin’s feet. Sorry… I know I’m gonna get a barrage of criticism for what I am about to write.
Jeremy Lin himself talks about what he needs to improve. He is not perfect – coming off injury, making mistakes, regaining strength and conditioning, learning the ways of a new team and coaching style. That being said, The Rockets are also a rebuilding team – where almost everyone is new. The team makes mistakes – NO ONE on that team is perfect.
I love him, too. But I refuse to see him with rose-coloured glasses. When he does the same mistake – I wince with him. When he does some brilliant, I cheer and fist-pump with the best of them.
We shouldnot expect him to put up “Linsane” numbers every game. That is impossible. Too much of an expectation of a guy who just loves basketball.
To quote: “How am I supposed to play if everyone is looking at me expecting me to make a miraculous play every time I touch the basketball?”
Addendum:
“Jeremy Lin sparked the club early, aggressively creating plays for both himself and his teammates while his swarming defense on Greivis Vasquez, a Rockets killer during the two teams’ previous three matchups, made a massive impact on Houston’s ability to slow New Orleans’ offensive attack.”
http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/rockets-rediscover-mojo-big-easy
@Fauxy…now this I can agree with. He did have a beautiful 3 pter in the beginning of the game and he started out strong!!
@Fauxy…I went on Clutchfans and they ddnt seem to be too bad, but I guess it was b/c the Rockets won last night lol. And I think we are kinda on the same page. As much as I love him…I know he’s not perfect and I know he won’t be Linsanity 2.0 every night. But I’m not gonna lie…there was a confidence and a swag during Linsanity that I think Jeremy has forgotten about during this season. I want that back for him b/c I think when he starts seeing himself like he used to…I think his numbers will drastically improve!
When the coaches realize it’s important not to let the non-PG to handle the ball too much they’ll see Jeremy’s worth. When Harden no longer demands the ball all the time he knows he can still score 30+ and makes less TOs and does less harm to the team. Patterson already courageously said that before the game. I gave Patterson a thumb up. Jeremy has to forget his Chinese/Taiwanese nature being so mild. All starting PGs in the league are key scorers of their teams. Unfortunately Jeremy’s roll is weirdly twisted but now the coaches sould understand that making Harden the only star won’t help the team much. Jeremy comes to Rockets because Leislie Alexander wants him and he said he wanted to rectify “that mistake” (letting Jeremy go Dec 2011). I always believe Leislie wants to see Jeremy flourish to prove he is right to get him back.
Jeremy used to be agreesive and fearless. His confidence has been ruined from those ups and downs because of he has struggled to learn to cope with that unexpected change to his role. However, Jeremy will grow and his work ethic is always so excellent even the toughest coaches cannot blame him too much. BTW His TO should not be that many as his assist sometimes turns to be TO becaue his teammate fails to respond.
Like an experienced coach and reporter said:” It’s Lin’s mindset ….. Lin, just plays the game, quits thinking and plays ball only…..”
I expect Jeremy to play better and better. He will make it to be an excellent player!
@ic…yes i agree that Jeremy’s confidence has been crushed. He is no longer that same guy who created Linsanity last season…I feel like he has kinda “lost” or forgotten that edge he had and I hope he can regain it b/c I know he still has the skill. And unlike in NY…I really do think Jeremy and Harden can play well together and do play well together. They played well tonight and I hope this starts another winning streak for them!!
mber…that’s b/c great minds think alike LOL! I don’t go on the clutchfans sports site…I didn’t know that they were being so critical of their own team! and yes overall this is better than what Jeremy has been playing so i am still happy. But he needs to be more consistent and i dont like how he sees Harden as the leader, and NOT himself. I think he heeds to lead the team and the team will easily follow him! Plus I dont even think Harden cares about being a leader!
TDS folks hate the negativity at Clutchfans.
Depends on what you mean ny leadership – do you mean on-court? If yes, then Harden is for now the leader, based on how he’s been playing and what he’s getting paid. Off-court? I think CP holds that position.
Leadership can be seen in many ways.
*by leadership
Yes on that 6 steals, he lead tonight’s players in steals. He is #4 overall. I don’t think you are being overly critical as oppose to being an objective fan of J and a fan of the game.
Although, I should ask you the same question but on the contrary. Am I being too laxed? Too much faith in him? Blind faith? I don’t know why I’m not too worried about him. It’s like the story of his life. It wouldn’t be much of anything without all the adversities he has to overcome. It’s like the norm. IT IS THE NORM.
I told my husband, I will forever root for him and I want nothing but for him to do well and for everyone else who will come before me to have something different to look up to.
@K, just wanted to clarify… I think you are being an objective fan of the player and the game.
See, I’m not worried either. LOL
Maybe I just refuse to see him as a victim. Or maybe I see him within team dynamics and not just by himself.
@Cath…I was very proud of his steals…I should have mentioned that too!!! And I think I have been just too lax for too long. I think because I know he has it in him to play better so I want him to start playing like I know he can. I am being like his tiger mom girlfriend now…like I want to see more from you jeremy!!!
My thoughts on tonight’s game: Jeremy handled the ball a lot more, as opposed to before when he’d just pass the ball to Harden and stand in the corner. He was more animated with hand gestures, etc, to direct teammates when he had the ball. Played like a true point guard tonight. I saw Harden gave him the ball on numerous occasions. I think that is why he had 8 assists, 6 steals, etc. I am not sure if he worries too much about his own scores. My guess is that yesterday McHale showed them tapes of their earlier winning games, and perhaps these were the ones that Jeremy played well and was given a leadership role. After everyone was reminded of this, the coaching strategy changed to give him the ball more. I watched the game twice, and this was obvious to me! In general, I think players play by the coaches rules, so perhaps we shouldn’t be too hard on Lin. I don’t know if you follow Jason Friedman on twitter, if so, you should read what he twitted last night about Jeremy. Rockets only win games when five or more players have double digits. That is their history. I enjoy your blog. Hope this is the right way to respond. When I tried to click on the area indicated, nothing happened.
My twitter handle is linspiredinca. sent from my iPad
@Shirley…yes this is the right way to comment on my blog
Thanks for taking the time to comment and read my blog! Yes, Jeremy did handle the ball more and did play better in last nights game…and I’m sure McHale’s instruction and positive reinforcement helped Jeremy and his teammates. It seems like most of the articles I read on the game last night praised Jeremy’s plays…and rightfully so. But I still think a game like last night, should be the average for him…not an example of a “better than usual” night for him. And I am not really on twitter but since a lot of my Lin Ladies are…I may need to jump on the twitter train lol.
I was so happy they won tonight! I only watched about 5 min of the game though. BUT, I am going to the Rockets game tomorrow!! >_< I'm so excited!!
Btw, I really like your blog!! I'm a big Jeremy Lin fan, especially more so because I live in Houston. I was never really into basketball, but I am now mainly because of him.
YOU LUCKY YOU!
Take pics! Have fun!
Have fun. Hope you witness another W.
They’re saying DWill might be injured.
It’s petty, I know! LOL
@fauxy and @Cath…reports are saying that DWill is playing this game. Even so…I think Lin can handle DWill. He has done it before, so I can’t imagine why he can’t do it tonight!
@Marisol…you are probably at the game already as I am replying to this post, but I am so excited for you. I know you will have so much fun and I hope you take pics and share them with us!! And thanks for being a fan of my blog. I am so jealous that you get to live in the same city as Jeremy and you get to go to his home games and maybe even run into him!!
I’ve watched for like 5 times already on that post practice interview of Jeremy.
I don’t know but feels great to see him smiling
Yes AnnaK incidentally, it was a loss to NOLA that started that losing streak.
With their W last night, hopefully a winning streak is in the making this time around hehehe
@Rubieyln…I know, I watch his interviews over and over too…like an addict, I tell you. And I am hoping this will start a winning streak also!!
Hi, Ksoranna. I feel the same as you. Although Jeremy played a well-around game today (yesterday in your time zone), I wish Jeremy could have been more aggressive and scored more against a weaker team such as the Hornets, especially when the latter was playing poorly. We had seen him play in a more aggressive manner in NY, and I don’t think we’re expecting LInsanity again. I just hope his scoring stats can be a little better. I think he needs to average at least 15 points to be considered a good enough player–since scoring matters the most–and he probably needs to accumulate some points for the bad games he might have in the future (too pessimistic?). He’s had too many single-digit points so far and that 38 points in the Spurs game must have helped a lot with his average, but I seriously doubt if that will happen again this season.
By the way, I was so excited reading your previous post and to see you in that hot red shirt. That was the first time you saw Jeremy in person, right? It’s like seeing our leading lady finally meet our leading man (though it wasn’t really a meeting ’cause he didn’t really see you) I’m glad even though you were disappointed about the hand-tapping, you remain quite positive, still. It’s admirable for you to be there to root for Jeremy, but honestly I doubt that’s the best way to “meet” him since he’s very likely to be in that “avoiding-the-fans” mode on that occasion. Approaching him at an event like an autograph-signing probably is the better way, since he would be fully ready to meet his fans (but of course, the location might be too far away.)
You doing okay, Ashley?
Hi, Fauxy. Thanks for asking. Other than a little pressure from work and some family duties, my world is a bit too Linsane–I spend too much time reading Lin news. (Well, I really need to fix that for the new year.) And you? I believe you’re doing well, ’cause you always sound so positive and vibrant. Well, on Lin Ladies’ Fan Faction, I read about your editor’s letter mentioning some “Reddit-bruhaha”, and I was at a loss. I figured that it was about some comments–some “labeling” on your works, which you seemed to have taken personally. If it’s about putting it in a genre, to be honest, I don’t find all of those terms terribly offensive. Ann Lee directed Brokeback Mountain, a “homosexual” movie, and it was a nice film. Perhaps I don’t get what your wrote well. Hopefully I won’t be hated for expressing this thought. Sometimes I read something in English, but I’m not fully sure about it and therefore, unable to respond right away.
It was just me venting – no problem at all. LOL
Anyways – you think you’re Linsane? Welcome to the club. I think I’m worse.
@ashley…your understanding of the English language is great!! Our fan fiction is about love and relationships and friendship…regardless of the gender of the characters in the story. There was also a reader who was very offended by us portraying Jeremy and Parsons as gay lovers and we were trying to show people that there is really nothing to be offended about. No one knows what jeremy really feels anyways or what he would find offensive…and I hope he would not find offense in a story, which at the end of the day is about finding love.
@Ashley…you said my thoughts in even better terms!! I dont expect Linsanity numbers either but I do expect CONSISTENCY. Maybe not at least 15pts EVERY game but 15pts most games isn’t too high an expectation, I don’t think. And he was praised for his 13pts last night…against the Hornets…if this was last season, his 13 pts last night would have looked like child’s play. Let’s see how he does tonight against the Nets…
And LOL…I’m glad you enjoyed my “insider report” from the game against the Bobcats. Yes, it was the FIRST time I saw him in person and it was just so very exciting!! Like I can’t even put it into words!! and LOL @ “our leading lady finally meet our leading man”…you are very sweet. But no…we didn’t quite “meet” yet…but don’t worry…it made me more determined for next time!! I hope to get to go to one of his meet and greets, so we will see. It was so good to hear from you again!!
Hi, Ksoranna. I remember you once wrote about wanting Jeremy to remain innocent. And that’s how I feel about this fan fiction thing to him. I see the ladies writing the fan fiction as a means or outlet to show your love (and desire) for Jeremy. In the stories, we get to see Jeremy in different kinds of romances meeting the ladies’ expectations and staisfying our imaginations. The ladies are honest and bold in making their statements. And I as a reader can fully relate to the extreme love and passion. However, I have to admit that when I first read the stories, I was a bit shocked, having not read anything like that before. You wonder if Jeremy would find it offensive. I’d think he probably would have some mixed feelings: He might be a bit uncomfortable about the gay love; he might feel awkward reading all those detailed descriptions of physical love; but he should be able to see how much you adore him behind all of this and at the end, find in it the ultimate appreciation and wildest imagination from his loving fans. That’s how I expect him to, if one day he did read the ladies’ fan fiction. I don’t think he has, and honestly, a conservative part of me doesn’t really want him to because since he isn’t and, I believe, hasn’t ever been in any type of the relations depicted in the fan fictoin, I’d like him to remain as “innocent” as possible for as long as he can be.
ashley…I can relate to being shocked at our fan fiction. I was honestly shocked when I started reading some other fan fiction written about Jeremy Lin, but then I realized that fan fiction is our escape. It provides an outlet for some who want to write about him and for others to read about him…whether they are imagining themselves to be Jess or whether it gives them something to squeal about when shipping LinSons because I am sure none of us actually thinks he’s gay. But overall…yes, it is really us showing our love and affection for this amazing man.