FANTASY FURNACE

(VIDEO): It was a Va-LIN-tines day miracle…

The Jeremy Lin Show continued as the Knicks beat the Raptors in another last minute win created by Jeremy Lin, 90-87. Photo: AP

I watched the game tonight as I have all of Lin’s past five, and I’m waiting for someone to pinch me and tell me that this week long ride has only been a dream. Just when you thought that there hasn’t been enough excitement created by this young ‘superstar-in-waiting’, Lin finds a way to create a miracle-like atmosphere every time he’s on the floor.

Down by as many as 17 in the first half, the Knicks hurt themselves with 12 early turnovers and poor free throw shooting. Amare went 2-9 early and figured to be a non- factor after just returning from the shocking passing of his 35 year old brother.

But as the second half unfolded, and in particular the fourth quarter, the Knicks, Amare, and Jeremy Lin put on a show, assisted by a key Tyson Chandler block and a timely Iman Shumpert steal. Lin finshed the fourth with 15 of his 27 points and, of course, with the score tied at 87, had  the winning three pointer with 0.05 seconds remaining in the game.! Can it get any more dramatic than that?

His heroics just continue to amaze and his unselfishness and ‘team first’ mentality is refreshing to witness. He added a career high 11 assists to go along with his 27 points and now has two double-doubles in his last six games. The only thing harder to do than defend Jeremy Lin, is trying to find tickets to see this phenom.

With Sacramento and New Orleans next on the Knicks schedule, it would be dificult to image the Knicks not going to 8-0. Meantime, it’s been an incredible run; one that doesn’t seem ready to be shut down anytime soon. On the way to six in a row, records are beginning to fall. Prior to tonight’s game, Lin had more games of scoring 20+ points in his first five games than LeBron did. He had more points in his first four starts than Shaq or Michael Jordan had in theirs! And this is just his first few games in a Knick uniform…

This video below will take you on a journey through Lin’s first five games; right through his amazing performance against Kobe (Jeremy who?) and the L.A. Lakers. More than likely, by the time the All-Star game is upon us, it will take a 10 minute video and probably a sequel to bring us all up to speed on the rookies exploits. Until then, enjoy…