Last night, Jeremy Lin return to ground zero of Linsanity earlier this year with the New York Knicks. This is the first time he has played at Madison Square Garden since he became a Houston Rocket. When he stepped on the court he got mostly a positive response. The backcourt of Houston with Jeremy Lin and James Harden took apart the Knicks by combining for 50 points on 18-33 shooting. Their relentless aggressive play wrecked havoc to the Knicks’ defense creating an array of scoring opportunities. With no Carmelo Anthony (sprained ankle) and Rasheed Wallace (sore left foot) for the Knicks, the name of the game was penetration. With layups and ball distribution, Lin scored 22 points with 8 assists handing the Knicks the first lost at home this season. Toward the end of the game, Lin got a mixed reception when he left the game with 2:25 remaining and the Rockets leading by 16. Lin saw some fans wearing his old jersey, but said he didn’t let his mind drift back to last season during the game. “I’ve moved on, they’ve moved on,” he said. “We have good memories, but at the same time we’re all in a different place now.”

After the game, he stated “Tonight I think we complemented each other really well. I think that’s really important for us to be aggressive and pick our spots and feed the hot hand. Tonight we did a good job and took a step in the right direction in terms of figuring it out.”

Here’s more thoughts from Jeremy Lin about the game
We’re just thankful to get the win. It was a lot of fun playing out there. I think our team took a step in the right direction. For me, it was great to be back and it was a lot of fun to play on this court again.

(on the reception by the Knicks fans)
It was fine. I had fun out there and was thankful to the fans. A lot of people showed out and supported and wore my old jersey, so I was thankful for the fans – it was actually a lot better than I thought.

(on the Chandler flagrant foul)
We know it’s competition. At the end of the day, I totally understand when someone comes into your lane you want to make them think twice about coming back. So he hit me hard and I still kept coming. It was fun and it was friendly; it wasn’t malicious. I talked to him after the game. He was like a big brother to me last year so it was fun to play a game with him.

(Thoughts on tonight’s game being like Linsanity)
Not really. I’m in a very different place now. My mindset is different as well. I’ve moved on, they’ve moved on. We have good memories, but at the same time we’re all in a different place now.

(on teamwork with Harden)
Tonight I think we complemented each other really well. I think that’s really important for us to be aggressive and pick our spots and feed the hot hand. Tonight we did a good job and took a step in the right direction in terms of figuring it out. But it’s early. It really is still early and I have a lot to learn in terms of playing with him and likewise.

This win definitely gives us a little momentum but the story of our season has been win two, drop two … so I’ve got to make sure we keep pushing forward and don’t get complacent.
Jeremy Lin defeats Knicks in his return to Madison Square Garden

Houston Rockets vs New York Knicks highlights

Jeremy Lin introduced at MSG

Lin save and assist

Lin penetrates through the lane

Rockets running back with assist from Lin

Post game interview with Jeremy Lin