Jeremy Lin had his best performance as a Houston Rocket last night against the San Antonio Spurs. With James Harden sidelined due to an ankle injury, Lin took control of the Rocket’s offense much like the time of Linsanity earlier this year. After starting slowly in the first quarter scoring just two points, he started pouring it on from the second quarter on. Lin knocked down a pair of 3s in the second period and two more triples in the third. He shined in the third all over the court : dishing dimes, buzzer beating threes, left-handed layups, and easy free throws. His third quarter blitz continued into the fourth, scoring six points during a 9-2 run to help Houston extend its lead.

ALthough Houston lost, Jeremy Lin tied his career high of 38 points (11-21 FG, 12-12 FT) and hit a career-best four three pointers (4-5 3FG), marking his second 20-plus point performance of the season. Rounding out his stats for the night were 7 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Previously, Lin scored 21 points (6-16 FG, 7-8 FT), a career-high 10 rebounds and seven assists at Atlanta (11/2/12). Earlier this year, Lin set his career high in points with 38 vs. the L.A. Lakers (2/10/12).

Even with the career high, Lin couldn’t really enjoy his big game because it didn’t help Houston get the win. He wasted little time reminding everyone of that which matters most to him on the basketball court. “I am thankful that I was able to kind of get comfortable out there, but that’s definitely secondary to the fact that we blew another close game,” he said after tying his career-high for scoring with 38 points. “I had the ball to win it and didn’t even get a shot up. That one hurt.” As for the team continuing to work together, Lin stated, “It’s a process and we all understand that. It’s not just me; it’s just getting everybody involved and everybody comfortable so that when we get out there we have that same type of familiarity that San Antonio has where everybody is getting going and everyone is comfortable. I think it’s just a matter of time.”

Here’s more from Jeremy Lin about the game:

(On what went wrong ) “We went through lapses. We’ve done that a decent amount, defensive lapses and on rotations we left Tony Parker wide open and we didn’t get a couple of rebounds and offensively we didn’t get quality shots every time.”

(On the loss) “It’s tough obviously. I am thankful that I was able to kind of get comfortable out there, but that’s definitely secondary to the fact that we blew another close game. I had the ball to win it and didn’t get a shot up and so this one definitely hurts.”

(on feeling more like himself on the court)
I think, for me, I play the best just like anybody – when you’re comfortable. I think getting extra shots up and things like that, things are starting to feel more comfortable for me. Mentally, it’s trying to be aggressive, but control it at the same time. I’ve learned a lot through a lot of my struggles throughout the season. Through it all I’ve been able to see what’s going to work and what’s not going to work.

(on hitting outside shots early)
That’s really important for me. A lot of times when I hit one, I hit a few more. It’s nice to see some go in early.
I’m just playing. I’m not necessarily thinking anything specifically, I’m just trying to play. I may be more aggressive subconsciously.

(on keeping the momentum when James Harden comes back)
That’s just something we’ve got to keep working at. It’s a process and we all understand that. It’s not just me; it’s just getting everybody involved and everybody comfortable so that when we get out there we have that same type of familiarity that San Antonio has where everybody is getting going and everyone is comfortable. I think it’s just a matter of time. We’re all working at it.

Rockets vs Spurs highlights

Jeremy Lin postgame interview

Jeremy Lin highlights against Spurs

Jeremy Lin full highlights for 38 points