Utah Jazz reserve Jordan Clarkson came up huge once again on Monday night against the Golden State Warriors. The Filipino-American lit it up and dropped 41 points in a losing effort that leaves Donovan Mitchell no choice but to hand him this season’s Sixth man of the Year Award.
Mitchell, who’s been out injured for the past month, went on Twitter on Monday to praise another one of Clarkson’s incredible evenings and basically said that there’s no question that JC is running away with this season’s award as the best in the NBA when coming off the bench.
Easily! https://t.co/JIAes79LdW
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) May 11, 2021
With Mitchell out, Jordan Clarkson led the way for the Jazz with a game-high of 41 points on five triples and seven boards. Clarkson again came off the bench for head coach Quin Snyder and was a problem for the Warriors defense all evening. The 28-year-old even had the chance of putting the Jazz up by one in the game’s dying seconds but his lay-up was a bit strong as he fought through Golden State’s frontcourt.
Clarkson is having a career year putting up insane numbers as the leader of Utah’s second unit. He’s been pouring in 17.7 points in 26.5 minutes off the bench and his adaptability to his role in Salt Lake City has been nothing but huge for the entire franchise as they try to finish the regular season with the best record in the league.
Despite Monday’s loss, the Jazz have managed to win five of their last six games as they continue to roll and prepare for an intense playoff road coming up.