Clarkson: First Game With Jazz ‘Was Insane’, Fans ‘Showed A Lot Of Love’
Dec 27, 2019, 4:58 PM
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – New Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson said his first game with the franchise “was insane” and the fans at Vivint Smart Home Arena “showed a lot of love.”
Clarkson’s first minutes as a Jazzman came against the Portland Trailblazers on Thursday, December 26.
“I got a warm welcome from all the fans. It was nice. I love the energy here. It was great,” said Clarkson after the game. “They show a lot of love. It’s a great place to play.”
New member of the @utahjazz @JordanClarksons greeted with a warm welcome as he walks onto Larry H Miller court before his first Jazz game. #TakeNote @kslsports pic.twitter.com/iqrTzIqNQG
— Sam Farnsworth (@SFarnsworthKSL) December 27, 2019
“It was insane. It gets pretty loud in here,” continued Clarkson. “I’ve always felt it from the other side but suiting up and putting on this jersey… the feeling on this side is a little different.”
Jordan Clarkson already attracting a large crowd among @UtahJazz fans. pic.twitter.com/dPmtlVIBCE
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 27, 2019
Clarkson saw his first minutes as a Jazzman in the first quarter when he subbed in for Joe Ingles.
“I’m just happy for the opportunity,” said Clarkson. “Coming out here and competing. It was a good game.”
He played 21 minutes against the Blazers and scored a bench-high nine points on 4-12 shooting. The Jazz defeated the Blazers 121-115.
“He makes my life a lot easier,” said Mitchell of Clarkson’s addition to the team. “He’s very savvy. We’re glad to have him.”
The Jazz (19-12, 7-9 Away) head on the road to play the Los Angeles Clippers (23-10, 14-2 Home) on Saturday, December 28 at 8:30 p.m. (MDT).