Jeremy Lin on Monday night erupted for 33 points to lead the New Taipei Kings to the P.League+ (PLG) Finals for a second consecutive season, as they beat the Formosa Dreamers 97-88 at home to win the playoff series 4-2.
Lin, who had averaged only 16.8 points in the series’ previous five games, grabbed 10 rebounds and had six assists in nearly 42 minutes, all personal highs for the series.
His longest outing in the playoffs before Monday was 40 minutes, 4 seconds in Game 2.
Photo: Lin Cheng-kun, Taipei Times
“If fatigue is here, I’m now more than exhausted,” the 35-year-old veteran said in a post-game interview, raising his right hand a little above his head to show how tired he felt.
The former NBA combo guard credited teammate Lee Kai-yen for the win.
“He set the tone for the team with his aggressive defense right from the tip-off. He wasn’t just the MVP [Most Valuable Player] of the game, but the team’s most powerful engine,” Lin said, adding that he was impressed by Lee’s selflessness from the day he joined the Kings.
Known for his tenacious defense, Lee played nearly 33 minutes on Monday, focusing primarily on containing Dreamers point guard Lin Chun-chi.
Lin Chun-chi played all 40 regular season games for the Dreamers, and averaged 15.5 points and 6.2 assists per game while contending for regular season MVP honors.
In Game 6, he had five points and five assists along with four turnovers.
The Kings are to face the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots in the Finals. The two teams would also play in the East Asia Super League in the upcoming season.
The Pilots secured their berth on Sunday following a 98-94 win that knocked out the Hsinchu Toplus Lioneers 4-2.
Taoyuan, which topped the six-team PLG during the regular season, would have home court advantage in the Finals. The best-of-seven series starts on Sunday and if it goes a full seven games, would last until June 24.
Asked about the Kings’ plans for the Pilots, Lee seemed more interested in just savoring Monday night’s series-clinching win and not looking too far ahead.
“I just want to take a few days off and see what defensive mission the coaching staff gives me. All I need to do is do my best,” he said.
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