Jeremy Lin’s Return Will Be Huge Boost For Nets

Jeremy Lin returned to the court on Monday night for the Brooklyn Nets after missing more than five weeks with a strained hamstring.

The Nets (6-17) lost a close one to the red-hot Houston Rockets, 122-118.  Despite another setback in the win-loss column, the Nets proved they will be a much-improved team with Lin on the floor after going 4-13 without him.

Lin had 10 points and seven assists in 20 minutes, but the Nets were a +17 with him in the game.  Without him, Brooklyn might not have kept the score even remotely close.  They scored 75 points in the second half, even managing to take a brief lead late in the fourth quarter, which had a lot to do with the return of Lin.

Brooklyn is a much better team when Lin is running the show.  They severely missed his leadership.  Sure it was there during practices and on the sidelines during games, but he is the one who creates offense for both himself and this teammates.

If Lin’s absence did any good for the Nets, it allowed rookie point guard Isaiah Whitehead to develop his game at a rapid pace.  He started several games and looks like one of the better rookies in the league at this point.

The Nets, with a healthy Lin, return home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.