MIAMI — Jordan Clarkson’s recent win has significantly boosted his efficiency and defensive play.
When Clarkson first joined the Knicks, there were doubts about his future, especially after struggling in previous seasons. Was it due to his age, which is 33, or the losing culture in Utah?
But in the first dozen games with New York, he’s shown that he just needed some renewed motivation.
“It’s all about the focus. It feels great to be competing again and striving for something meaningful like the playoffs,” Clarkson shared. “That really shifts a player’s mindset. I’m locked in on that.”
During his last three years with the Jazz, Clarkson faced challenges as the team navigated a rough patch, particularly after trading away stars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert for a rebuild.
He struggled on the court too, missing nearly 40% of his games and seeing his shooting percentage fall to under 30% on three-pointers and about 41% overall in the 2023-24 season.
One NBA assistant even labeled Clarkson’s defense at Utah State as “disgusting.”
Yet, given the Jazz’s atmosphere, it’s tough to blame him for his lackluster performance.
The environment led to a sort of veteran indifference, especially last season, when the Jazz focused on protecting their first-round draft pick.
Consequently, Clarkson’s trade value plummeted, forcing the Jazz to buy out his contract instead of getting something in return.
Now with the Knicks, a team aiming for the NBA Finals, Clarkson has improved his shooting to 39% from three-point range and 47% overall as he entered Monday’s game against the Heat.
If he keeps this up, it would mark career-highs. This improvement is especially notable considering he initially shot just 32% in his first five games with the Knicks.
Although he has seen a decline in his scoring—dropping from 16.2 points per game last season to 10.3 this year—his efficiency has improved, with turnovers decreasing significantly.
Clarkson credited these changes to the talent around him in a more selfless system, which enhances the quality of his shot opportunities.
While with the Jazz, he often found himself creating shots off the dribble, especially under pressure late in the shot clock.
The Knicks’ offensive style has shifted, resulting in more points from catch-and-shoot opportunities and fewer from pull-up jumpers.
“Our system generates good looks,” he noted, emphasizing that the shots are often great. “I really don’t have to force it as much here; I wasn’t in this position with the Jazz.” He added that when challenging opportunities do arise, he strives to capitalize on them.
Effort is key in defense, and it’s easier to bring it when fighting for a goal.
As he approached the Heat game, Clarkson had a reasonable defensive rating of 115.1—his best since the 2022-23 season.
“The focus is different now,” he remarked, recalling his playoff experience with LeBron James in Cleveland. “Getting back to that level was refreshing. It gives me purpose when I put on that jersey.”
Mikal Bridges echoed this sentiment, noting that successful teams tend to give coaches more leeway.
Bridges, having joined the Knicks after a rough patch with the Nets, commented, “We hold our coaches to higher standards now that we are winning. Constantly focusing on our goals sharpens our attention.”
Even with increased focus, Clarkson acknowledges that there’s a learning curve ahead for him and the team.
He’s felt strong since mid-November, hoping to peak in April as the playoffs approach.
“It’s crucial to prepare and want everything to flow smoothly,” he said. “We’ll need to adapt in the playoffs, but I believe we’re starting to grasp our offensive and defensive principles.” He added, “There are still many things I want to incorporate, but we’re just scratching the surface.”
