UTAH JAZZ
Jordan Clarkson Catches Fire During Jazz-Pacers Game
SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson ignited Utah’s offense by catching fire during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers.
The Pacers hosted the Jazz at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday, February 13.
After scoring seven points in the first half, Clarkson got his game going during the first 12 minutes following the break.
The Jazz opened the second half with a 53-51 lead. However, Utah started the third quarter slow and Indiana took advantage. The Pacers went up seven points, 76-69, before Clarkson’s scoring spurt.
⚠️ "flame on" sequence loading ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/jCbXUHMaRp
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 14, 2023
Aside from a three-pointer early in the quarter, Clarkson scored 12 of his 15 third quarter points during the final 5:21 of the quarter.
As the game went to the fourth quarter, the Jazz owned an 89-88 lead.
Clarkson had 22 points on 7-14 shooting, including 5-7 from distance. He added one rebound and three assists in 28 minutes.
This season, Clarkson is averaging 20.9 points per contest on 44.6 percent shooting, including 34.0 percent from three.
15 points in the quarter for @jordanclarksons 🏴☠️#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/7J1BHdTtIU
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 14, 2023
Utah’s game against Indiana is broadcast on AT&T SportsNet, NBA League Pass, and KSL Sports Zone.
Jazz vs. Pacers
Westbrook Out For Utah
Though Russell Westbrook is officially a member of the Jazz he is not with the team in Indiana.
The future Hall of Fame guard was acquired by the Jazz at the deadline but the team is giving him space to decide his future.
“We are open to all sorts of possibilities with him,” Jazz general manager Justin Zanik said. “And he has been very positive on being here in Utah and we’ve been very open to the possibilities of him.”
Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damian Jones, the two other players acquired in last week’s trade were in uniform for the Jazz on Saturday but did not take the floor against the Knicks.
LISTEN LIVE: @utahjazz vs. @Pacers on https://t.co/4kU961V8lp and the @KSLSportsZone.#TakeNote https://t.co/d5NfbIaBmg pic.twitter.com/txnX4Xmrlp
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 14, 2023
Pacers Slumping Into All-Star Break
After a surprisingly hot start to the season, the Pacers have struggled as they prepare for the All-Star break.
Despite guard Tyrese Haliburton earning his first All-Star nod, the Pacers are just 2-8 in their last 10 games and have lost four straight.
RELATED: KSL Sports Live Exclusive: Jazz Forward Lauri Markkanen Talks All-Star Season
Over their last 10 games, the Pacers have the fourth-worst Net Rating in the NBA and are ranked in the bottom 10 in both offensive and defensive rating.
The Pacers own the sixth-worst record in the NBA this season at 25-33.