TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Playing alongside his brother Joseph Lin (林書緯) former NBA star Jeremy Lin (林書豪) on Thursday (June 20) won his first championship with a professional Taiwanese basketball team.
The New Taipei Kings clinched the P.League+ (PLG) after besting the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots 103-97 in overtime, reported CNA. Despite Jeremy Lin being hobbled by injuries and both brothers fouling out in overtime, the Kings rallied and earned the team's first-ever championship with a 4-1 series victory.
Lin missed Game 4 of the finals due to discomfort in his foot and had been unable to walk properly or even put on socks just two days before Game 5. Nevertheless, Lin returned to action off the bench on Thursday playing over 30 minutes and contributing 15 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while his younger brother registered a team-high 17 points and seven assists.
After the game, Lin revealed that he had been playing in the finals with a torn meniscus. Over the series, Lin averaged 17 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, while his brother averaged 9.3 points, seven assists, and eight three-pointers.
On Friday (June 22), Lin uploaded a photo with his brother standing behind their newly won championship trophy to Instagram and wrote: “To win a championship with my lil bro is truly a special feeling.”
Lin described this season as “the toughest in my 14 years as a pro.” He then listed the litany of challenges he faced including “nonstop injuries, suspensions, people leaving, deep internal issues, public opinion turning on us, having a target on our backs.”
He confessed that despite so many years of professional experience his “pre-game anxiety came back strong this year.”
As for his future, Lin said he must first undergo treatment for his meniscus tear. He plans to discuss his career plans with his family before making any further decisions.
