It usually gets boring for basketball fans once the NBA season comes to an end. Things are a bit different this time around, though, as the FIBA Basketball World Cup has kept fans entertained. Whether it is Austin Reaves’ fame or Japan’s historic triumphs, the tournament has delivered on all fronts. Now it was the turn of a Utah Jazz star to become a national hero for the Philippines. His recent performance drew a ton of praise from the basketball world and some renowned NBA personalities, including Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal’s 23-year-old son.
After four disappointing losses for the Philippines, they faced off against China in their last game of the tournament. What followed was the stuff of legends.
Utah Jazz Star shines on the big stage
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31-year-old Jordan Clarkson is one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA. He had his career-best PPG last season with Utah averaging an impressive 20.8 points. Clarkson is representing his homeland in the ongoing FIBA World Cup. And he came up big against China as he led his country to their first win of the World Cup.
Clarkson scored an impressive 34 points en route to the 96-75 blowout win. What’s even more impressive, though, is that he scored 20 of those points in a span of four minutes. The Philippines finished the tournament with a 1-4 record as they finished 2nd in Group M, behind South Sudan.
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This might have been one of the most majestic individual performances by anyone in the international tournament. And for obvious reasons, his performance garnered some massive praise from his colleagues in the NBA.
Jordan Clarkson left the basketball world mesmerized
Many were excited to see Clarkson coming up big against China. NBA legend and Utah Jazz minority owner Dwyane Wade reshared FIBA’s post on his stories lauding Jordan on his historic performance. The post was captioned, “JORDAN CLARKSON. YOU?RE A MAD MAN.” Shaquille O’Neal‘s son Shareef also congratulated Clarkson on his own handle. Shareef wrote, “YESSIR @JORDANCLARKSONS”
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One fan even compared him to the three-point maestro Stephen Curry, writing, “Bro turned into prime steph curry.” Another fan hailed the importance of Clarkson to his national side, the Philippines. “Philippines without Clarkson is not it, sorry!”
A fan-made it clear that Jordan’s stock just went up. “Jordan Clarkson respect button ———->,” while another user pointed to his phenomenal three-point shooting performance. “5 STRAIGHT THREESSSS.”
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The Utah Jazz will be hoping that Jordan brings his sublime form to the NBA too. What are your thoughts on Clarkson going off against China? Let us know in the comments below.