New taipei: Coming into the twilight of his pro career, one-time NBA champion Jeremy Lin said the title of the 2024-2025 TPBL season was the "toughest" one he has ever won. "This is the championship that challenged me most," he said following the New Taipei Kings' 108-89 win against the Kaohsiung Aquas at home on Sunday.

According to Focus Taiwan, Lin shared that he wasn't under much pressure during his time with the Toronto Raptors when they won the NBA championship, as he was mostly benched. The recent TPBL title was Lin's second consecutive win with the Kings and the first of the nascent Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL). The final series, a best-of-seven, saw fierce competition with no team winning two consecutive games.

Lin, who was named the league's regular-season MVP in mid-June, also earned the Finals MVP honor by averaging 22.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, six assists, and 1.9 steals during the series. Despite his experience, Lin attributed the achievement to his full dedication on the court.

With significant injuries in his past, Lin emphasized the physical demands he faced at 36 years old, requiring treatment into the early hours and continuing the routine upon waking. He expressed gratitude towards his teammates, particularly his brother, Joseph Lin, and Lee Kai-yan, for their sacrifices and support.

Joseph Lin acknowledged his willingness to make sacrifices for his brother, understanding the implications of Jeremy joining the team. He expressed contentment in achieving the championship alongside his family, considering it a unique accomplishment.

During the award ceremony and the post-game news conference, Joseph Lin playfully inquired about Jeremy's future plans, though Jeremy chose to focus on thanking the fans for their support, humorously commenting on his brother's playful nature.