As the NBA Finals rolled into the Big Apple for Game Three, Jordan Clarkson had to wonder if he was going to get a chance to show he still can change an NBA game. The former Jazzman has shown time and again in his career that he can take over a game off the bench.
Clarkson's minutes have declined throughout this playoff run, and with the rise of Jose Alvarado in Mike Brown's rotation in the Finals, it seemed the former Jazzman had seen his role and minutes dry up.
With the onset of Game 3 in Madison Square Garden, and the Spurs coming out in charge early, the Knicks turned to Clarkson, who made multiple plays early to help the Knicks cut a 12-point lead down to two, and then in the third quarter, he had several timely scores to keep the Knicks in the game while Brunson was in early foul trouble.
Going from a total of six scoreless minutes in Game 1 and a DNP-CD in Game 2, the Flamethrower emerged in Game 3, with 10 points (two for two from three) in 13 minutes and being a plus-eight in his time on the court.
Sadly, Clarkson didn't get the call in the fourth quarter, as the Knicks leaned heavily on Landry Shamet (1-8 from the field, three points, four rebounds, and a minus-20 in his 23 minutes).
Mike Brown likes Shamet's versatility and goes with him more often in crunch time, but it definitely cost the Knicks. By the time Mikal Bridges returned to the game, the damage was done - San Antonio had built a lead that they would not relinquish, as they staved off a 3-0 deficit and gave themselves life.
Jordan Clarkson still has a chance to be a Finals hero
While the Knicks lost a golden opportunity to go up 3-0, they still can take solace in the fact that their star guard, Jalen Brunson had a horrible shooting night, and they still had a chance in the final minutes to win.
Jordan Clarkson should get the call in Game 4 and beyond as a top reserve, owing to his strong performance in Game 3. And he will not be afraid of the moment - he has stared down defenses for 12 seasons and found ways to score and be a factor, as an overlooked second-round pick who takes on challenges and continues to deliver, year after year.
And Jazz fans will watch and cheer him on, as he has a chance to get a ring - even if it's not in Utah.
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