Jeremy Lin becomes first East Asian-American to play in NBA Finals as Raptors beat Warriors
- Fans have their fun on social media as Lin gets a very brief – but historic – cameo in Raptors’ game three win over Warriors
- The California native, who is of Taiwanese descent, also becomes first Harvard graduate to play in Finals
The Toronto Raptors, led by Kawhi Leonard’s 30 points, trounced the Golden State Warriors on their home court 123-109 to take a 2-1 series lead. Stephen Curry responded with 47 points for an injury depleted Warriors squad who were without both Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, who injured his hamstring in game two.
Albeit in an anticlimactic cameo as the Raptors were well ahead with less than a minute left, Lin carried the ball up the court on two occasions slotting in as a point guard, and in the process became the first East Asian American to play in an NBA Finals, along with being the first Harvard University graduate as well. Jordan Clarkson, whose mother is half Filipino, played in the NBA Finals last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Clarkson represented the Philippines in the Asian Games last summer.
Lin is a Palo Alto native and also a former Warrior who joined the Raptors during the 2018-19 season in February, coming over from the Atlanta Hawks. He has seen limited minutes for the squad, however remains a fan favourite in a number of basketball markets.
Lin made his NBA debut back in 2010 as the first Asian-American to suit up in the league in 63 years – the first was Wat Misaka in 1947.