National Basketball Association

Jeremy Lin stirs crowd in Golden State Warriors debut

Published Oct. 9, 2010 10:56 a.m. ET

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The loudest ovation of the night came when Warriors rookie guard Jeremy Lin, a Palo Alto native, got off the bench to walk to the scorer's table in the fourth quarter.

The Warriors were well on their way to a 127-87 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in an exhibition opener at Oracle Arena. But the crowd was just getting started.

Fan favorite Lin capped the night by totaling seven points, three rebounds and two assists in 11 minutes. Not as impressive a stat line as his teammates. Guard Monta Ellis had 22 points. Guard Stephen Curry had 18 points, six assists and four rebounds. Forwards Dorell Wright and David Lee combined for 33 points and 13 rebounds.

But Lin stole the show. When he scored his first basket -- a three-point play on a driving, windmill layup -- the fans erupted loud enough to create a mild earthquake in Oakland. Moments later, fans got even louder as Lin got a steal and led a fast break that he capped with a look-away pass to Brandan Wright for a dunk.

As much as he tries to tune it out, Lin notices the hype and expectations following him. Though he is beloved as a Bay Area product and a rare Asian-American in the NBA, Lin said he knows what some of his beloved fans seem to forget -- he is an undrafted NBA rookie. That means rough spells and hard lessons.

"I've got news for them," Lin said with a smile before the game, "I won't be an All-Star this year."

Coach Keith Smart said Lin has a tendency to be hard on himself and get frustrated. So Smart's plan is to take the pressure off Lin, get him to just play and learn as he goes.

Of course, his fans aren't trying to ease him into anything. They cheered every time he touched the ball, even if for a split-second. Some chanted "MVP!" after he knocked down a floater in the lane.

Lin, on the other hand, said he is focused on doing what rookies do: learning. He has been nothing short of a gym rat -- staying after practice, getting in his film work, looking to learn.

Lin said he is trying to be patient and embrace the rookie process.

"As a player, you want to always play well, so sometimes it gets frustrating," he said. "So I'm just focusing on working hard and getting better."

One of the goals of preseason is to get swingman Reggie Williams settled. Because of his versatility, Golden State has the option of using him at a few positions -- small forward, shooting guard, even some point forward. For example, if the Warriors nail down a backup point guard, they wouldn't need to use Williams in that role.

Smart said he would make sure Williams is in position to do what he does best: score. Williams is expected to be instant offense off the bench. "I'm not really sure what my role is yet," Williams said, "but whatever they need me to do."

Sunday's exhibition game at Oracle Arena will follow the Raiders afternoon game, which will make for a crowded Coliseum Complex.

Los Angeles Clippers guard and former Warrior Baron Davis sat out Friday.