East Asia Super League (EASL) hosted the return of Jeremy Lin to the Philippines, as the visiting New Taipei Kings escaped with an away victory against the Meralco Bolts, 89-77, at the PhilSports arena last January 3, 2024. “Linsanity” provided a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double and four assists, complemented by Chin-Min Yang and Christian Anigwe’s 13 and 10 markers, respectively.
YouTube: One Sports
A Black and Newsome-less Meralco Bolt squad kept up with their Taiwan counterparts heading into the half, mustering a 47-42 advantage, led by import Zachary Lofton’s 20 points on 37.5 percent shooting. Lin, together with his younger brother, Joseph, took over the third, as the P. League+ club scored 24 compared to Meralco’s 11, commenced by Jeremy Lin’s back-to-back heaves from beyond the arc. The New Taipei Kings scurried away in the fourth with a 12-point victory, bringing their record to 3-0 in EASL’s Group B.
Following the matchup, Lin spoke about his reunion in Manila as the premier destination of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) biggest names, which subtly reflects the nation’s love for the sport.
Instagram: @complexphilippines
Lin’s previous visit came in the form of a pre-season matchup as a member of the Houston Rockets during the Philippine leg of the NBA’s Global Games campaign in 2013. He provided 12 points off the bench, fueling the Rockets’ 116-96 win against an up-and-coming Paul George-led Indiana Pacers squad. Fast forward a decade later, the 35-year-old experienced a similar embrace from his local fanbase, as fans rejoiced with news of his arrival.
