Jeremy Lin’s rapid rise from unknown to superstar was slowed big-time last night by the Miami Heat, who overwhelmed the NBA’s hottest story with a swarming defense that the Knicks’ new starting point guard could not solve.
Forcing Lin into easily the worst game of his remarkable run as New York’s newest star, Miami topped the Knicks 102-88 — the eighth straight win for the NBA-leading Heat, all by at least 12 points.
Chris Bosh scored 25 points, Dwyane Wade added 22 and LeBron James finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists for Miami, which will go into the All-Star break with the NBA’s best record (27-7).
Lin’s final line: 1 for 11 from the field, eight points, three assists — a long way from the 23.9 points and 9.2 assists he had been averaging over his first 11 games in the Knicks’ rotation, when he breathed immeasurable life into a team that was floundering.
Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 19 points. J.R. Smith scored 14 for New York off the bench.
Information from ESPN.com contributed to this report.