Jeremy Lin logs another impressive showing in Knicks win over Mavericks

NBA NEW YORK—And so it starts again.

Following up on the first loss since point guard Jeremy Lin was inserted into the rotation —suffered Friday against the New Orleans Hornets—the New York Knicks squared off against the defending-champion Dallas Mavericks here at Madison Square Garden and came away with what might be their most impressive win of the year, 104-97.

Similarly, it might go down as the most impressive performance in a string of eyebrow-raisers for Lin, who finished with 28 points, 14 assists and five steals. Turnovers were again a problem for Lin, who committed seven, but his overall excellence outweighed his mistakes.

He had plenty of help, though, and from some surprising places. The Knicks’ bench was bolstered by the arrival of guard J.R. Smith, who signed with the team on Friday after playing a season in China, and was thrust into the breach by coach Mike D’Antoni on Sunday. Smith chipped in 15 points on 6-for-16 shooting. Forward Steve Novak continued to sparkle from the perimeter, scoring 14 points and making 4-of-5 on his 3-pointers.

The loss ended a six-game winning streak for the Mavs, who were led by 34 points from Dirk Nowitzki.