Jeremy Lin scores 25 points in debut to give Beijing Ducks the win
CGTN
Jeremy Lin handles the ball against Tianjin Pioneers on November 3, 2019 in the capital's neighboring city. / VCG Photo

Jeremy Lin handles the ball against Tianjin Pioneers on November 3, 2019 in the capital's neighboring city. / VCG Photo

Former NBA star Jeremy Lin made his debut in the CBA league, scoring 25 points to spearhead Beijing Ducks to a 103-81 victory over the Tianjin Pioneers in the season opener in Tianjin, on Sunday. 

Lin, the first Asian-American to win an NBA title last season with the Toronto Raptors, had a game-high 25 points, nine assists and six rebounds. 

Host Tianjin set a 32-24 lead in the second quarter but Lin took over the game in the third quarter, hitting 14 points while building a 78-64 lead before Beijing opened the fourth with a 12-2 run to seal the victory. 

Jeremy Lin passes while triple teamed by players for Host Tianjin on Sunday. / VCG Photo

Jeremy Lin passes while triple teamed by players for Host Tianjin on Sunday. / VCG Photo

"I am really glad to have this opportunity to play in CBA, I am so satisfied right now," said Lin. "I missed a lot of games due to the injury in the past two years, it feels good to back to the game."

Beijing had five players scoring in double figures. Zhu Yanxi finished with 19 points and nine rebounds and Fang Shuo added 18 points. 

Jeremy Lin shoots a free throw against Tianjin Pioneers in Tianjin, China. / VCG Photo

Jeremy Lin shoots a free throw against Tianjin Pioneers in Tianjin, China. / VCG Photo

The victory came with disappointment from the fans that Lin did not make a three-pointer despite having five attempts from beyond the arc. He had announced before the game that he would contribute 3,000 yuan (426 U.S. dollars) to charity for every three-pointer he makes during the season. 

Much was made among the Chinese basketball fans over the blood showing through Lin's tights from his knees during the first half. Many point to it as an indication that Lin may indeed see a rebound of the Linsanity period of his 2012 NBA breakthrough with the New York Knicks. 

Lin's home debut against the Shandong Heroes is set on November 6.

(With input from Xinhua)