In a heartwarming twist of fate, former NBA sensation Jeremy Lin’s Taiwan basketball triumph. Jeremy recently kicked off his 14th professional basketball season with a dream come true – sharing the court with his younger brother, Joseph Lin, in Taiwan. The emotional reunion took place at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, the very island where their parents had set out to start a new life in the United States.
The 35-year-old point guard, renowned for sparking the NBA’s unforgettable “Linsanity” era in 2012, showcased his enduring prowess as he and Joseph, donning the colors of the New Taipei Kings, triumphed over South Korea’s SK Knights in the East Asian Super League. The dynamic duo continued their winning streak, securing another victory against local rivals Fubon Braves in Taiwan’s P.League+ competition.
Jeremy Lin’s Taiwan Basketball Triumph
For Jeremy, this marked the long-awaited fulfillment of a lifelong dream – playing on the same team as his brother. The brothers, who had faced each other as opponents in the previous season, now shared the same jersey, creating an emotional moment for the Lin family and fans alike.
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Jeremy expressed his joy, emphasizing that their parents, who had immigrated from Taiwan to the U.S. in the 1970s, could finally relax without the worry of supporting different teams.
Beyond the basketball court, Jeremy Lin’s journey has been one of resilience and advocacy. Not only is he celebrated for his “Linsanity” era with the New York Knicks, but he also made history as the first American of Taiwanese or Chinese heritage to play in the NBA. In 2019, he further etched his name in the record books as the first Asian-American to win an NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors.
However, his off-court experiences have been marked by challenges. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Lin faced racial slurs, being called “coronavirus” during a game in the NBA G League while playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors. This incident propelled him into a crusade against anti-Asian violence in the United States.
In a poignant twist, Lin made a move to the Chinese Basketball Association, playing for the Beijing Ducks and later the Guangzhou Loong Lions. Despite the challenges posed by strict pandemic regulations in China, Lin’s commitment to the game and advocacy remained unwavering.
Now, donning the yellow and black threads of the New Taipei Kings alongside his younger brother, Jeremy Lin’s return to his ancestral homeland is not just a sports story; it’s a tale of cultural integration, resilience, and familial bonds that continues to inspire fans across Asia. As he navigates the East Asia Super League, Jeremy Lin’s presence is a powerful draw, showcasing the triumph of determination and skill over preconceived notions about Asian players in the basketball world.
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