ESPN FIRST TAKE.
(Live from ESPN Studios, New York City — the morning after Lin Yi's 86-point explosion)
Dana Jacobson (Opening):
Good morning, everyone! What a night in Memphis — what a moment for basketball. Lin Yi of the New York Knicks just dropped 86 points — yes, eighty-six — the second-highest scoring performance in NBA history. Add in Chris Paul's 22 assists, and you've got one of the greatest offensive displays this league has ever seen.
We've got Stephen A. Smith — probably still celebrating — and Skip Bayless, who I'm sure will have a lot to say.
Gentlemen… let's get into it.
Stephen A. Smith (already shaking his head, grinning):
Dana, Dana, Dana! Do you understand what just happened last night?! Do you realize what this young brother did to the Memphis Grizzlies?! 86 POINTS! EIGHTY-SIX! I've raised the bar SKY HIGH! for this man, and he still manages to smash it and launch into orbit. I'm lost for words.
The man was surgical. He was majestic. He wasn't just playing basketball; he was conducting a symphony!
And let me say this loud and clear: The New York Knicks are GOING FOR THE DOUBLE!
MSG better be preparing the red carpet when he's back, because the King of New York is wearing number 44 and dropping buckets like he's from another planet!
Dana Jacobson (smiling):
Stephen, you sound like you might start campaigning for Lin Yi right now.
Stephen A. Smith:
You damn right I might! Because this brother — this brother has done more for Knicks basketball in three years than some people have done for their teams in a decade!
Skip Bayless (leaning forward, smirking):
I see what you're doing, Stephen A., and I'll just say this — you're right. Lin Yi has done in three years what a certain someone — who loves calling loves crowning himself — still hasn't done in his entire career: deliver pure, unfiltered, undeniable greatness.
Look — 86 points. Twenty-two assists from Chris Paul. No super team required. No excuses. Just domination.
Stephen A. Smith (eyes wide, shaking head):
Hold up, hold up, Skip! I ain't gonna let you turn this into a LeBron hit piece!
Skip Bayless:
Stephen, I'm not hitting him. I'm just stating facts. Lin Yi's done more in his third season than LeBron did in his first three when it comes to individual, jaw-dropping performances. You can look it up!
Stephen A. Smith (laughs):
You're unbelievable, Skip! You can't even let the man breathe for one segment! But look, I'll say this — LeBron is LeBron, but last night wasn't about him. It was about Lin Yi taking this league by storm.
The man went 33-for-45 from the field! 11-of-13 from deep! 9-of-10 from the line! That's efficiency, Skip! He wasn't forcing anything — he was in rhythm, he was locked in!
And let me tell you, I've been covering the Knicks.. I've seen heartbreak. I've seen mediocrity. But last night? A buffet for the fans. If he keeps going like this, which he will, we will be eating for years!
Dana Jacobson:
Stephen, do you think this puts Lin Yi officially in that upper tier — with Kobe, MJ, Magic?
Stephen A. Smith:
Hmmm, I won't say he is there yet; he has to build a body of work over a few more years, but I would say they're looking over their shoulder!
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying he's going to surpass Kobe or MJ soon. But when you drop 86 on near-perfect shooting? When you make it look effortless? That's legendary. That's iconic.
Skip Bayless (interjects):
And let's not forget, Stephen A., he did it without ducking competition. He's playing in the most competitive era, against elite defenses and offenses, the perfect mix. No "superteam buffers," no running to join stars. He built this.
I'm just saying — Lin Yi has that killer mentality people keep talking about, but without the drama, without the flopping, without the social media essays.
Stephen A. Smith (pointing):
You know what, Skip? For once, I ain't even mad at that take. Because Lin Yi is different. He's disciplined, humble, and he's got that New York mentality.
And let's not forget my man Chris Paul — 22 assists! Twenty-two! The man's distributing like Picasso painting passes. It was poetry in motion.
They've got the best pick-and-roll duo in the league, and if Paul keeps feeding Lin like that? You better believe Madison Square Garden's about to explode next week.
Dana Jacobson:
So, gentlemen — simple question. Is this the greatest single-game performance since Kobe's 81?
Skip Bayless:
No question. It's better. Kobe was magnificent, but Lin Yi was flawless.
Stephen A. Smith:
I can't believe I'm saying this… but Skip Bayless might be right! Lin Yi's 86 wasn't rage, it wasn't revenge — it was purity. It was a clinic in basketball perfection.
Dana Jacobson (closing):
Well, there you have it — Lin Yi drops 86, Chris Paul adds 22 assists, and the Knicks might just have a new chapter in their storied history.
When we come back, we'll break down how this performance changes the MVP race and if Lin Yi just made it a one-man conversation.
(Music fades in — ESPN theme plays as cameras pan out)
...
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