Houston Rockets: Pre-Season Game 1: Grading Jeremy Lin’s performance

Oct 5, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin (7) brings the ball up the court during the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

With the way that last season ended for Jeremy Lin, last night’s game had to be very exciting for the point guard.  With the Rockets falling in their pre-season opener to the New Orleans Pelicans 116-115, Lin scored 11 points to go along with 4 assists; but what was more impressive than those numbers was his overall control of the game.  Last season at this time Lin, was looked at as the Houston Rockets franchise player, but with the additions of James Harden and Dwight Howard, things have changed.  Last night, Lin looked comfortable in his new role as starting point guard for the Rockets.  He set up Howard time and time again allowing him to get into a rhythm with the team, and assert himself into last night’s game.

Here’s a clip of one of his assists to Howard off the pick-and-roll:

http://youtu.be/jEQ0YvPqawU

What was even a bigger sigh of relief was a point in the game where Lin shot a 3-pointer and swished it in.  With the way last season ended for him, and his struggles shooting the ball, many Rockets fans were looking to see if he improved that aspect of his game.  Lin looked very comfortable playing with Harden and Howard, giving those guys ample opportunities to get into a rhythm together as well as get the team involved.

Here’s Lin on a fast-breaking, dishing it off the Harden for the slam:

http://youtu.be/epg0YZm2dXE

Lin ended the game with 4 turnovers, which is not something you want especially after last season, in which the Rockets led the NBA in turnovers.  However it is the first game in the preseason, and with new faces all around everyone, is still trying to find their way.

Grade: B