Clarkson’s Season-High 27 Lifts Knicks Past Jazz; Halftime Speech, Lineup Concerns Remain
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Salt Lake City — Reserve guard Jordan Clarkson erupted for a season-best 27 points on Wednesday night, helping the New York Knicks erase an 18-point deficit and defeat the Utah Jazz 134-117.
The outing was Clarkson’s longest since Christmas Day, as he logged 26 minutes after appearing for only 20 minutes combined in his previous three March games. “For him to go out and perform the way he did, you couldn’t ask for anything better,” head coach Mike Brown said. “He’s kept his body and his mind ready for this moment.”
Clarkson, who spent part of his career with Utah, is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end.
Halftime spark
New York entered the locker room down 18 but stormed back by outscoring the Jazz 78-52 after the break. Both coaches and players addressed the team at halftime. “It was our halftime speech, how we held each other accountable, and then we just came out here and wanted to win,” Clarkson explained.
Slow starts persist
Since the All-Star break, the Knicks’ first quarters have been problematic. Over the 11 games leading into Wednesday, the regular starting five posted a minus-15.3 net rating in opening periods. An injury to Josh Hart pushed Landry Shamet into the lineup against Utah, but early struggles continued.
New York Post writer Jared Schwartz argued that reshuffling the core group of Jalen Brunson, Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns is unlikely to provide a quick fix. Inserting center Mitchell Robinson is also viewed as impractical because of his load-management plan.
Playoff checklist
ESPN’s Vince Goodwill identified five issues the Knicks must address before the postseason, with maximizing Towns and restoring Brunson’s form topping the list.
Source: Hoops Rumors
