Barack Obama makes Mitt Romney-Jeremy Lin analogy, according to aide

Just like Superman and Kryptonite, Jeremy Lin's got the Miami Heat.

And just like Lin and the Heat, Mitt Romney's got Barack Obama?

In a profile titled, "The Competitor in Chief," which appeared on page-A1 of the the Sept. 3, 2012 New York Times, a presidential aide quotes President Obama's use of a basketball analogy involving the GOP presidential candidate, Lin and the NBA champions:

"No matter what moves Mr. Romney made, the president said, he and his team were going to cut him off and block him at every turn. 'We’re the Miami Heat, and he’s Jeremy Lin,' Mr. Obama said, according to the aide."

Calling your presidential challenger one of the most popular, zero-to-hero NBA players in recent memory seems precarious. But, in what may be a testament to the president's hoops knowledge, Obama's jab actually makes sense.

On February 23, the Knicks took on the Heat in Miami. Lin was in the midst of his breakout tear; over an 11-game run, the former Knick guard was averaging 23.9 points and 9.2 assists per game. What's more, the Knicks were winners of 9 of those 11 games, set to make a statement against LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

Things didn't quite go to plan.

Lin had arguably his worst game as a pro, finishing 1-of-11 from the field. He scored eight points -- the first time in 11 games he failed to crack double-digits -- and managed just three assists to eight turnovers.

Miami won, 102-88, to improve to 27-7. The Knicks dropped back below .500 to 17-18.

Lin and the Knicks bounced back to crush the Cavs 120-103 six days later, but the team never fully rebounded, losing the following six games.

Eventually, Lin was lost for the season to an injury suffered against the Detroit Pistons on March 24.

The Heat? They won the title.