Jeremy Lin will attend Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden as a spectator for the first time since leaving the Knicks—after a split that once made him a fast fan favorite in 2012.
When Jeremy Lin walks back into Madison Square Garden this week, it won’t be as the opposing guard who’s trying to beat the team that once gave him his first real spotlight. It will be as a fan.
The former Knicks guard told The Post in an exclusive interview that he has accepted an invitation from the team to return as a spectator for Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals. “I will be going back as a spectator for the first time ever,” Lin said. “After leaving the Knicks. I did play against the Knicks multiple times. but I have never been back to The Garden as a spectator. This will be my first time in 14 years back at The Garden, not as an opposing player. I can’t wait. I really genuinely can’t wait for Game 3 and 4.”.
Lin’s return carries extra weight because his first stay in New York burned bright and fast. In Feb. 2012. as an undrafted rookie out of Harvard. he set the city ablaze and turned into an instant fan favorite—rising from an anonymous bench player to stardom. For the Knicks faithful, that month of “Linsanity” wasn’t just a stretch of good games. It was a moment that became part of the Garden’s identity.
But the team and Lin’s story didn’t end smoothly. The source describes a somewhat contentious split from the Knicks. His star fizzled out after the return of Carmelo Anthony from injury. and Lin signed a deal with the Rockets in the offseason. The terms of that deal made it difficult for the Knicks to match in restricted free agency.
Now, the relationship that once felt tense is bringing him back to the stands. Lin said he will attend the game at the Knicks’ request. “A big shoutout to the Knicks. they have been really adamant and consistent about trying to get me to go back to a game. ” Lin said. “I’ve always had the desire. It’s not that I didn’t want to, I was just always still playing. … I won’t be courtside but I will be in the first two rows.”.
Even the idea of a big welcome doesn’t seem to be something he’s banking on. When asked about the potential crowd pop he gets from the Knicks faithful, Lin said he has “no expectations” of cheers or applause—or even being shown on the Jumbotron.
In 14 years, the venue he helped ignite in 2012 will be familiar again, but the role won’t be. The Garden may still roar for the Knicks, yet this time Lin’s seat is in the crowd—watching, not trying to survive the matchup.
Jeremy Lin Madison Square Garden MSG Knicks NBA Finals Games 3 and 4 Linsanity Carmelo Anthony Rockets ESPN analyst