The Houston Rockets' chances of pulling a historic first-round upset over the Oklahoma City Thunder may have just been dealt a critical blow.
Houston point guard Jeremy Lin left Wednesday's game in OKC and is questionable to return with what Jason Friedman of Rockets.com reports is a chest contusion:
Though it's possible Lin returns to action, the prognosis did not look great on the floor. He was grimacing in obvious pain and did not begin the second half with his teammates.
Lin had seven points, four rebounds and three assists in 20 minutes at the time of his exit. Though not ascendant numbers, Lin's steady play combined with inspired scoring efforts from James Harden and Chandler Parsons to help Houston to just a two-point margin at halftime.
The trio was playing far better than their effort in Game 1, where the young Rockets were seemingly overwhelmed by the top-seeded Thunder.
Lin's performance was arguably the most disappointing. Playing in his first career postseason game, the beloved point guard made only 1-of-7 shots, scoring four points and equaling his four assists with as many turnovers in Houston's 120-91 loss to OKC. Lin struggled to create penetration against opposing guard Russell Westbrook and the Rockets' vaunted pick-and-roll offense went into a standstill.
While down at halftime, Wednesday's initial 24 minutes were critical for confidence-boosting. The Rockets were swinging the ball well and getting solid spot-up looks, some of which came from Lin's passes in space.
With Lin off the floor, Carlos Delfino was substituted into the starting five at the beginning of the second half. Delfino is a veteran shot-making guard, but the Rockets' chances are dubious at best without Lin back in the lineup.
It goes without saying Rockets management will be waiting with bated breath until full word comes in on their point guard's status.
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