Lin’s hustle play in OT an example of effort Rockets need to win series

By on April 26, 2014 at 4:06 PM

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Jeremy Lin was the first player to the floor several times during Friday night's OT win. (James Nielsen/Houston Chronicle)

Jeremy Lin was the first player to the floor several times during Friday night’s OT win. (James Nielsen/Houston Chronicle)

Before Troy Daniels sank the 3-pointer that lifted the Rockets, Jeremy Lin came away with a loose ball, took one hard dribble into the lane and found the Rockets’ rookie shooter open.

The play was significant not only for the shot it made possible, but as an example of the kind of hustle play the Rockets have needed in the series.

“That’s one example, but I know Pat had two big rebounds coming down the stretch,” Lin said. “James (drew) a big charge. There are so many little plays that we didn’t make in the first two games. Those are just as valuable as winning, the loose balls, rebounds, charges, rotations that are not necessarily skill-based, but effort based.”

Lin had more than a passing familiarity with the feeling of doing the big thing, too.

“I know what that’s like,” Lin said. “I’m happy for him. I know what the grind is like. I know what it is to get cut, to go undrafted or to go to the D-League. I know what all those feelings feel. And I know how all those feelings feel and to have that breakthrough winning when you really need it, so I’m extremely happy for him.”

For Lin, the play also brought redemption. Lin had beaten the Blazers to the rim for a layup that would have given the Rockets a five-point lead, but missed it. Moments later, Nic Batum hit the 3 that would send the game to overtime.

“Making sure to win in overtime, just getting the win was important,” Lin said. “That’s a shot that I’ll take any day of the week but I missed it. That was on me and I knew that. I’m glad we were able to get the win and definitely thankful for that.

“That’s a right-handed layup. I’m taking that any day of the week. That’s a great shot to me. I couldn’t believe it. I thought it had to be goaltended or something. I didn’t see the finish, but I couldn’t believe it didn’t go down.”

Jonathan Feigen