Feb. 14, 2012
Toronto
Breaking records for both points by a new NBA starter (135 in his first five games) and puns in newspaper headlines (uncountable), Jeremy Lin continued one of the most sensational debuts in basketball history. Since Feb. 4, the 23-year-old point guard has led the previously moribund Knicks to seven straight wins (as of Friday) and triggered “Linsanity” across New York. He’s shown here after coldly sinking a game-winning three-pointer against the Raptors with 0.5 seconds on the clock.
Much of Lin’s appeal has to do with his unusual background. Born in California to parents of Taiwanese descent, he played for Harvard—hardly a powerhouse—and was serially overlooked by NBA squads before signing with New York in December. His plainspoken Christian faith and penchant for clutch play has drawn comparisons to NFL proselytizer Tim Tebow. Further miracles may be necessary: with a record around .500, the Knicks will have to battle to make the playoffs.
—Nick Summers
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