1 stud and 2 duds from Utah Jazz loss to Grizzlies

Utah Jazz dud: Jordan Clarkson

Lately, we’ve been fairly focused on the idea that Jordan Clarkson may not be able to coexist with Donovan Mitchell. Last night, he didn’t look like he could coexist with anybody.

When Mitchell is absent, it is incumbent on Clarkson to score efficiently. This Jazz machine cannot run without a shot creator.

Mike Conley is not precisely one of those. He did his job last night, even if he didn’t go above-and-beyond. The veteran floor general finished with 15 points on 5/12 shooting from the field, 3/6 shooting from downtown, 6 assists, 3 turnovers and 2 steals.

It was a solid night for a solid, reliable player. Conley’s shot selection was as cautiously intelligent as ever, and he made several plays for his teammates as usual.  It wasn’t his responsibility to replace Mitchell’s shot creation: it was Clarkson’s.

He downright shirked that responsibility, finishing with 13 points while shooting 4/13 from downtown and 2/8 from three-point range. Clarkson couldn’t get it going last night. That happens. When it happens without Donovan Mitchell on the floor, it’s difficult for the Jazz to get a win.

Especially considering the guard play on the other end. Ja Morant finished this contest with 30 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Nobody could have expected Clarkson to match those totals. It was, in fact, historic production. Still, if he’d delivered a solid game, it could have offset Morant’s impact.

With 13 inefficient points being his total contribution, the Utah Jazz probably never stood a chance.