Utah Jazz: 2 duds and 1 stud from tough loss to Chicago Bulls

Utah Jazz dud: Jordan Clarkson

Much of what was written about Donovan Mitchell’s performance on Saturday, and its context within the season to date, could be applied to Jordan Clarkson as well. His shooting has wanted for efficiency throughout the season, and last night was no exception.

Clarkson shot 5/19 from the field against the Bulls. He actually shot a barely respectable 3/9 from three-point range, but his shot was generally where it’s remained this season: in the gutter.

All told, Clarkson is shooting 37.5% from the field, and 27.7% from three-point range this season. The Utah Jazz will need better efficiency from him as the season progresses. Unlike Mitchell, Clarkson appeared to be very much in his usual lane on Saturday evening. He’s a score-first gunner, as reflected by his four turnovers and single assist from last night’s game.

That’s perfectly fine: the Jazz haven’t leaned on Clarkson to set up his teammates since the day they acquired him. Furthermore, it’s understood that he’ll be prone to bouts of inefficiency. Second unit spark plugs frequently are. However, on a night where Donovan Mitchell is struggling and Mike Conley is absent, Clarkson needs to have a good game if the Utah Jazz want a chance to beat almost any team in the National Basketball Association.

He was unable to do that last night, and the game’s results reflected as much. The Utah Jazz may be 4-1, but they’ll be extremely lucky to maintain that winning percentage in the long term if neither Mitchell nor Clarkson can break their ongoing shooting slumps.