Jeremy Lin's Strong Play with Houston Rockets Is a Sign of Things to Come

Correspondent IDecember 22, 2012

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 17: Jeremy Lin #7 of the Houston Rockets is congratulated in the fourth quarter after he is pulled from the game against the New York Knicks on December 17, 2012 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Houston Rockets defeated the New York Knicks 109-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Elsa/Getty Images

Jeremy Lin has experienced his ups and downs with the Houston Rockets so far this season, but the polarizing point guard's latest string of strong play is a sign of things to come.

The Rockets have won two straight games against the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, and Lin played a key part in each victory, combining for 40 points, 14 assists and six rebounds.

Lin played a total of 71 minutes in the two games and hit 17-of-27 shots from the field. Against his former team the Knicks, he netted 20 points and racked up eight assists, helping his team become the first to beat New York at home this season.

Sure, Lin is only averaging 11.6 points and six assists per game in 2012-13, but if you compare his November numbers to his December numbers, it's easy to argue that Lin is becoming more comfortable in Clutch City.

After averaging 10.2 points on 37.3 percent shooting with 2.9 turnovers per game in November, Lin is averaging 13.4 points on 48 percent shooting with only 2.3 turnovers per game in December.

✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content

Granted, Lin's minutes per game have decreased somewhat, but his three-point and free-throw shooting percentages have increased this month as well.

It's also important to point out that Lin will be making only his 51st career NBA start on Saturday night against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Lin has only played in 89 career NBA games coming into Saturday's matchup with the Grizzlies—just a little more than one full season.

At age 24, Lin has yet to reach his full potential as an NBA point guard, and his recent string of stellar play speaks to his high ceiling.

It's simple: When Lin plays well, Houston rarely loses.

He won't continue to shoot better than 62 percent from the field like he has in Houston's last two wins, but Lin will become a more confident, efficient player over time. Stretches like his most recent one prove that.

Lin will continue to have his inconsistent moments, yes, and that's what will keep him from becoming a league superstar. But it's not far-fetched to think that he can soon become Houston's second-leading scorer behind James Harden and the Rockets' most creative playmaker.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.