NBA fans think Raptors should’ve put Jeremy Lin in for game five winner – ‘he would’ve made that shot’
- Raptors leave ‘Linsanity’ on bench as Kyle Lowry misses potential winning shot in game five
- Lin’s hopes of becoming first Asian-American to win an NBA championship ring still in the balance
NBA fans have reacted with bemusement and anger that Jeremy Lin wasn’t put in during game five of the finals – suggesting he would’ve sunk the potential game-winner that Kyle Lowry missed.
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As Lin looked on from the bench, the Toronto Raptors got the ball to Lowry for the last play of the game with the Warriors leading 106-105 and time all but up.
But Lowry couldn’t even hit the rim and the Warriors forced a game six in Oakland on Thursday – meaning Lin will have to wait to become the first Asian-American to claim an NBA championship ring.
“Why the hell they have Kyle Lowry go for the winner, should’ve just had my boy @JLin7 shoot that,” wrote one frustrated fan on Twitter.
That seemed to be the consensus on social media. “Jeremy Lin would’ve cashed that,” wrote one fan, another suggesting Lin “would’ve at least hit the rim”.
Plenty of fans recalled Lin’s famous last-second three-point game winner from his “Linsanity” days with the New York Knicks in Toronto in 2012.
Raptors coach Nick Nurse was apportioned much of the blame on social media. “Should’ve put Jeremy Lin in for the last possession,” one user said. “Jeremy Lin should have been on the floor, that’s on you Nick Nurse,” another said.
Some were straight up angry. “Kyle Lowry denied Jeremy Lin a ring” and “put Jeremy Lin in you cowards” were two of the less expletive-laden comments.
“The Raptors are better off starting Jeremy Lin instead of Kyle Lowry. The man is a garbage can,” said another.
“I’d let Jeremy Lin shoot from half court with the game on the line before I let Kyle Lowry take that shot,” said another.
Other fans had their fun, one writing: “Raptors are undefeated this series in games Jeremy Lin has played ... just saying.”
Many were just hoping to see Lin get his hands on an NBA championship ring before his old Knicks rival Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul. But it could all go down to the wire on Sunday in Toronto.
