Nets guard Jeremy Lin is expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a ruptured patella tendon during Wednesday's opener against the Pacers, the team announced Thursday.
Lin was forced out of Brooklyn's 140-131 loss in Indiana after he landed awkwardly on his right knee following a driving layup attempt with 4:53 left in the fourth quarter.
The 29-year-old immediately grabbed his right knee and appeared to say "I'm done, I'm done" before grimacing in pain and collapsing to the court in tears. The Nets were trailing 126-116 when the injury occurred.
Lin was helped off the court but eventually limped his way to the locker room on his own. He finished with 18 points on 5-for-12 shooting and four assists while going 7-for-7 from the free-throw line.
Lin later tweeted an inspirational message, saying, "God ALWAYS faithful and in control."
The former Knick was evaluated by team doctors in New York on Thursday before the team announced his diagnosis.
"Jeremy worked tremendously hard during the offseason and in training camp and was excited for the prospects of the team this season," GM Sean Marks said in a statement. "We feel awful that the injury will cost him the season, however our entire organization will be there to support Jeremy in every way possible throughout his recovery. Jeremy remains an important part of this team and will continue to contribute in a leadership role."
Lin played in just 36 games for the Nets last season due to multiple hamstring injuries. He signed a three-year, $36 million deal with Brooklyn before last season, averaging 14.5 points and 5.1 assists in his abbreviated 2016 campaign.
The Nets were hoping Lin and recently-acquired point guard D'Angelo Russell would form the team's foundation as a high-scoring duo in the backcourt.
But with Lin likely out until next year, Russell is slated to take over as Brooklyn's primary ball handler with Caris LeVert or Allen Crabbe starting at shooting guard.
