The New York Knicks organization has always prided itself in the motto “Once A Knick, Always A Knick”. In the 2026 NBA Finals, this much is true. Many former players for the franchise flocked to watch the first NBA Finals game in Madison Square Garden in the 21st century, and one of them is a legitimate fan favorite in Jeremy Lin — the man who captivated the world with a brilliant stretch to end the 2011-12 season.
Lin's run with the Knicks was so iconic that it gave birth to the “Linsanity” phenomenon, and even though that was ever so fleeting, New York fans will never forget how he gave a fanbase that's been starved of so much success some hope heading into a new decade of hoops.
As such, Lin received an incredible applause from the MSG faithful during Game 3 of the Knicks' NBA Finals clash against the San Antonio Spurs.
MSG erupts for Jeremy Lin. Knicks legend.
(via @sny_knicks) pic.twitter.com/sxZBvxS1f6
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 9, 2026
Article Continues Below
Lin's breakout began on February 4, 2012 when the Knicks had no choice but to utilize him at point guard amid Baron Davis' injury. Lin played nearly 36 minutes off the bench and popped off for 25 points, setting off a run that caught the Big Apple by storm.
Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni continued to ride Lin's hot hand, giving him the start against the Utah Jazz two nights later, and he proved that his big night was no fluke. Lin then went on a run in which he scored over 20 points in nine of his first 10 games since getting big minutes.
That stretch includes a 38-point night in a duel against the late great Kobe Bryant in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers, and he also nailed a game-winner during the Toronto Raptors. He quickly became a hero for the Knicks, and this reception he got from the MSG faithful on Monday night shows that he remains beloved in the Mecca of Basketball.
The New York Knicks organization has always prided itself in the motto “Once A Knick, Always A Knick”. In the 2026 NBA Finals, this much is true. Many former players for the franchise flocked to watch the first NBA Finals game in Madison Square Garden in the 21st century, and one of them is a legitimate fan favorite in Jeremy Lin — the man who captivated the world with a brilliant stretch to end the 2011-12 season.