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The NBA is having one its most successful seasons in recent memory. Attendance is up from last season and more people are watching the games on television. TNT is on pace to have its best ratings in its 27 years of broadcasting games.
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With Jeremy Lin's emergence, the league is on its way to becoming even more popular. After just a five game run, Lin is already having a significant impact on the NBA.
Not only has he been amazing on the court, but Lin's been doing incredible things for the league off the court.
He's not only helping the Knicks. Teams all over the league are benefiting from "Linsanity."
When the Knicks visit the Raptors on Tuesday, the cheapest ticket can be had for $44. The following night, when Toronto hosts the Spurs, a ticket can be purchased for as little as $12.50.
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The Timberwolves drew 20,232 fans on Saturday night when they hosted the Knicks. That was the biggest crowd in Minnesota in eight years.
Only a few NBA players can singlehandedly draw fans on the road. It looks like Lin may have become one of those select few.
While there's still a question about whether or not Lin will be able to maintain his level of play, NBA fans seem to be convinced that he can do it.
Since Lin's incredible run started on Feb. 4, the point guard has the highest selling jersey in the entire league. More people have bought Lin's No. 17 online than Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant and even LeBron James.
Modell's Sporting Goods in Manhattan finally got Lin merchandise in their stores this past Friday, but the apparel has been flying off the shelves. Some stores still haven't received shipments of Lin jerseys because the point guard's rise to stardom was so unexpected.
Before Lin burst onto the scene against the Nets, he had only played in nine games all season. Lin is averaging 26.8 points and 8 assists per game since entering the Knicks rotation.
The Knicks are cashing in on "Linsanity" at the perfect time.
MSG and Time Warner have been in a feud since the beginning of the new year. Over two million Time Warner Cable customers have not been able to watch the Knicks on TV because of the dispute. The Knicks certainly have a lot more leverage in negotiations since Lin has become the talk of New York.
Despite the feud, Lin's play has helped keep MSG's ratings strong. More people than last season had been watching New York when the Knicks were struggling. In the past five games, even more people have been tuning in to see Lin and the Knicks.
Even Madison Square Garden stock has risen since Lin has kick started the Knicks winning streak.
The positive effect Lin has had on the Knicks and the rest of the NBA will only last if he continues to play well. Lin has been the biggest story of the NBA this season, but he'll quickly fall out of the public consciousness if the Knicks go back to their losing ways.
Until that happens, the most popular man in the NBA will be a player that most people never heard of just a few weeks ago.
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