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SALT LAKE CITY — There’s something about Utah for Jordan Clarkson.
Out of the Knicks rotation for most of the last seven weeks, the reserve guard returned to his old home and put on a show, scoring a season-high 27 points off the bench to help the Knicks recover from an 18-point deficit and avoid an ugly defeat to the tanktastic Jazz, 134-117.
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Clarkson, who spent 5 ½ seasons with the Jazz, got a video tribute at the Delta Center and proceeded to take the fans on a trip down memory lane, flashing the microwave scoring that won him the Sixth Man of the Year here in 2021.
“I spent six years in this arena so the rims are pretty familiar to me,” Clarkson said. “It’s not the first time I’ve been hot in this arena.
“Just being able to start the flame and keep it going.”
Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson (00) looks to pass during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on March 11, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Clarkson’s performance was necessary amid struggles from his backcourt teammates Wednesday, including another disappearing act from Mikal Bridges (five points, 27 minutes, 2-for-9 shooting, benched again in the fourth quarter) and early struggles from Jalen Brunson.
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Clarkson, 33, keyed the second-half spurt that turned the tables, and the Knicks (42-25) led for the entire fourth quarter while snapping a two-game losing streak.
“For him to go out and perform the way he did, you couldn’t ask for anything better,” coach Mike Brown said. “And it goes to show he’s not just keeping his body right but his mind is in a good spot to go after coming in when you’re down [18 points] in the first half. So just to see that, you couldn’t ask for anything better. Especially from him, who is a veteran who hasn’t been playing or in the rotation and all of a sudden we need him.”
Brown credited assistant Mo Cheeks with recommending playing time Wednesday for Clarkson.
OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on March 11, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. NBAE via Getty Images
“Mo was the prophet,”…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jordan-clarkson-puts-show-off-035917597.html
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Publish date : 2026-03-12 03:59:00
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