Jordan Clarkson Comes Alive to Lead Gilas Pilipinas to Victory Over China
In a thrilling match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on September 2, Jordan Clarkson showcased his talent and found his rhythm to lead Gilas Pilipinas to a resounding victory over China in the FIBA Basketball World Cup. The Philippines salvaged a win in the tournament with a score of 96-75, thanks to Clarkson’s remarkable performance.
Throughout the tournament, Clarkson had struggled to find open looks and establish his usual rhythm on the court. However, he finally broke free in the third quarter of the game against China, unleashing a 24-point outburst. He sank five consecutive three-point shots, igniting the crowd and his teammates.
The basket felt big at that point. We got a good flow. All cup, guys have been hounding me, I’ve been aggressive and not able to get free and get the shots and rhythm that I’m used to taking it, shared Clarkson, expressing his relief at finally finding his groove.
Clarkson’s outstanding performance was not only a result of his individual brilliance but also the support of the home fans. Their cheers and energy propelled him forward and helped him sustain his momentum. With the crowd rallying behind him, Clarkson ended the game with an impressive 34 points, shooting 11-of-18 from the field and converting 5-of-10 three-point attempts. It was undeniably his most efficient and best game in the tournament.
The energy from the crowd. When you start hearing that as loud as it was, it’s gonna hard to calm me down at that time and I stayed hot. The crowd was just amazing. The fans were amazing. It was just so much energy in there. We just really want a win and gift them that, expressed Clarkson, acknowledging the immense support from the Filipino fans.
The entire Gilas team was determined to secure a victory for the home fans who braved the rainy weather to watch the game. Their unwavering support gave the team an extra boost of energy against their formidable opponents from China. Despite the challenging circumstances, the team fought hard, displaying heart, resilience, and a strong sense of national pride.
It feels good [to win]. It’s been a tough tournament but we kept fighting, we kept competing, and we kept playing. We really want to end this on a right note. We might not the see the same guys in the locker room after this. But at the same time, we just wanted to show heart, fight, and resilience, Clarkson declared, highlighting the team’s determination and unity.
With their victory against China, Gilas Pilipinas ended the tournament with a 1-4 win-loss record, but they leave with their heads held high. Their performance displayed their unwavering commitment to representing their country and their desire to bring pride to their fans.
The Filipino basketball community celebrates Jordan Clarkson’s exceptional game and the team’s overall effort. Their performance serves as a reminder of the immense talent and potential in Philippine basketball and provides hope for future success in international competitions.
