After the Knicks beat the Warriors, the American media started saying what everyone was already thinking—Lin Yi might be running away with Rookie of the Year.
Tyreke Evans had been solid, sure. But his numbers were a step behind Lin's, and the Timberwolves were getting smoked on the regular. Meanwhile, the Knicks—well, they still weren't contenders, but they weren't exactly bottom feeders anymore.
With a four-day break after the Warriors game, Lin didn't waste time. He was back in the gym, putting up shots and keeping that rhythm alive. He knew what was coming. He knew Brandon Jennings had a 55-point game in his rookie season.
...
November 14, 2009.
Just when it looked like Lin had no real rookie rival left, Brandon Jennings exploded.
Milwaukee's game against the Warriors? Yeah, that one became instant NBA folklore. Jennings went off—34 shots, 21 makes, 7-of-8 from deep. He dropped 29 points in the third quarter alone and finished with 55 points, 5 boards, and 5 assists.
The game ended 125-129 in favor of the Bucks.
The league was shook.
He cooked Curry and Monta Ellis like it was a backyard barbecue. Between the two of them, the Warriors' backcourt barely scraped 39 points. Jennings had more than that on his own.
Suddenly, the narrative flipped. Jennings wasn't just another rookie—he was the rookie. Lin had competition now. Real, loud, cocky competition.
Steph Curry started catching heat again. Just one game after the Knicks lit him up, now this? The No. 2 pick getting bullied by the No. 10? The media started asking if the Warriors had messed up. Again.
Worse? Jennings didn't hold back. He told reporters—via his agent, no less—that the Warriors had invited him for a workout in the summer... and passed. They picked Curry instead. Jennings made it personal.
"Stephen Curry? He's not even in my league," Jennings said, full of swagger.
Lin tried not to laugh when he saw the quote. "That kid's feeling himself a bit too much," he told his trainer. But he didn't bite back in public. He'd let his game talk.
Still, it stung a little that the Warriors kept refusing to trade Curry. Lin had asked the Knicks front office about it again after the Warriors game. Still a hard no from Golden State.
"Damn it, old man Nelson," Lin muttered.
He wasn't exactly shocked by Jennings' explosion, though. Jennings had always been the come-in-hot type. A peak-early guy. Truth be told, this was the best game of his entire career. Ever. The Warriors' defense that night? Nonexistent. Lin had seen better closeouts from traffic cones.
Even James Harden, who wasn't exactly Mr. Emotional Support, hit Curry up in the group chat like, "Hang in there, bro."
...
Meanwhile, the media had a field day.
Jennings' 55 made him the youngest player in NBA history to score 50+ in a game—20 years and 54 days. Younger than even LeBron.
LeBron, classy as ever, congratulated him on social media. But Lin had a feeling LeBron was privately screaming into a pillow somewhere.
Bucks management was hyped. They started treating Jennings like a future franchise player. Word was, they'd already promised him the green light to shoot whenever the hell he wanted. Lin smiled when he heard that.
Enjoy it while it lasts, he thought.
...
On TNT, the debate was heating up, too.
"I think it's neck-and-neck now," said Kenny Smith. "Jennings dropped 55, and the Bucks are winning. He could beat Lin for Eastern Rookie of the Month."
"Come on, Kenny," Barkley groaned. "That's one game. Lin's been consistent. You can't crown a guy off a hot night."
"Hey Chuck, you never dropped 55 in a game, did you?" Kenny jabbed.
Barkley barely flinched. "That's low, Kenny. And need I remind you, I dropped 56 in the playoffs. The playoffs. Higher level."
"Yeah, playoffs. But not in the regular season," Kenny grinned.
Barkley's eye twitched. Kenny wasn't wrong.
"What if Lin scores 50?" Barkley said not backing down.
"Then I'll shut up. But how about this—if Lin doesn't break that record, you kiss a donkey's ass on live TV again?" Kenny said, eyes twinkling.
Barkley hesitated. He'd been down this road before, thanks to Yao Ming. But dammit, he loved a good bet.
"Fine. But if Lin does, then you kiss the donkey!"
The bet was on. And suddenly, NBA fans were way more interested in Lin's scoring average.
Chinese fans were especially invested. Jennings? Way too cocky. Lin Yi? Calm, focused, efficient. The kind of guy you wanted to see win.
The Barkley bet went viral. Everyone from ESPN to Weibo picked it up. Barkley even pulled out the Knicks' schedule to see what was coming.
He nearly choked on his water.
"Oh hell no... Lakers, Celtics, Spurs?!" he groaned.
...
That night, Lin scrolled through the headlines on his phone, saw Barkley's bet, and rolled his eyes.
But deep down, Lin felt it. 50 points? It wasn't out of reach. He just needed the right game, the right rhythm... and hopefully a team that has an ass D. He was down for it so far as it doesn't jeopardize the Knicks win.
...
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