Jeremy Lin shot 4-of-6 from the field, scoring 13 points, in a 102-95 loss to his former team, the Houston Rockets. The game continues an upswing in Lin’s shooting, which he struggled with early in the season for Charlotte. Lin got to the foul line seven times and also contributed five assists against just one turnover as the Hornets dropped a road game in Houston. A poor third quarter (-8) doomed Charlotte, which played the Rockets pretty much even in the other three quarters.
Lin played just 21 minutes, a step backward in playing time for him. But this wasn’t because coach Steve Clifford didn’t have confidence in Lin. Lin’s offense was enough to keep him in the game for Charlotte — but his minutes were limited by his defensive troubles. Lin committed five personal fouls in his time on the floor, the same number as his backcourt mate Kemba Walker (in nearly twice the minutes). Their teammate Cody Zeller fouled out with six personal fouls — all because James Harden kept doing his thing drawing contact. Harden scored 36, getting to the line 19 times. Hornets drop to 15-12. Rockets move over .500 at 15-14.
