Knicks Guard Jeremy Lin Emerges After Winding Road in the NBA: Fan Reaction

On Saturday February 04, 2012, New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin showed the world that he truly belongs in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His astounding performance led the Knicks to a 99-92 victory against the New Jersey Nets. It was a magical night for Lin, but he often wondered if such a night would ever happen.

"At times it did cross my mind; maybe I might not get a chance," Lin admitted after the game. It has been a winding road for him in this league. Here is a timeline of his travels in the NBA:

June 24, 2010 - Lin goes undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft, but is invited by the Dallas Mavericks to compete on their summer league team.

July 15, 2010 - In a summer league game against the Washington Wizards, Lin excites the crowd and outplays top draft pick John Wall.

July 21, 2010 - After several contract offers, Lin signs with his hometown Golden State Warriors.

October 29, 2010 - Lin makes his NBA debut with the Warriors against the Los Angeles Clippers. He plays 2:32 and does not score.

November 21, 2010 - Lin scores a career-high 13 points as a Warrior in a blowout loss against the Los Angeles Lakers.

December 28, 2010 - Lin is assigned to the Reno Bighorns, the NBA Development League (D-League) affiliate of the Warriors.

January 09, 2011 - Lin is reassigned to the Bighorns, the NBA D-League affiliate.

March 17, 2011 - Lin is reassigned to the Bighorns, the NBA D-League affiliate.

December 09, 2011 - Warriors waive Lin on the first day of training camp/free agency.

December 12, 2011 - Houston Rockets claim Lin off waivers from the Warriors.

December 25, 2011 - Rockets release Lin on Christmas Day to make room for center Samuel Dalembert.

December 27, 2011 - Knicks claim Lin off waivers to help an ailing backcourt.

December 28, 2011 - Lin makes his debut with the Knicks against his former team the Warriors. He plays just 1:27 and does not score.

January 17, 2012 - Knicks assign Lin to Erie BayHawks, their NBA D-League affiliate.

January 20, 2012 - Lin scores a triple-double (28 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds) with the BayHawks.

January 23, 2012 - Knicks recall Lin from the D-League.

February 03, 2012 - Lin is given an opportunity as the first guard off the bench against the Boston Celtics.

February 04, 2012 - Lin has a breakout performance at Madison Square Garden against the Nets. He posts career-highs in points (25), assists (seven) and minutes played (35). Lin carries the Knicks in the final period, willing the team to win.

After a difficult road in the NBA, Lin has emerged as an exciting point guard option for the Knicks. He persevered and waited for an opportunity to prove himself. He finally got that chance with the Knicks, and he did it on the world's biggest stage.

More from Edwin Torres:

How to Succeed in Basketball with Jeremy Lin: Fan Reaction

Edwin Torres was born in New York City. He has been a Knicks fan since the early 1980s. He has visited Madison Square Garden on many occasions to watch the Knicks and his favorite player, Patrick Ewing. For more articles, follow him on Twitter @FlipPoker.

Sources:

NBA - Statistics - Yahoo! Sports

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