Donovan Mitchell's injury came at a poor time for the Utah Jazz, as they're attempting to clinch first place in the Western Conference. Only 1.5 games ahead of the Phoenix Suns, the Jazz are doing everything they can to maintain the top seed.
Even so, one player who has really stepped up is Jordan Clarkson.
Clarkson joined the Jazz halfway through the 2020 season. With Donovan Mitchell being out the last three games, Clarkson has picked up his play and has scored 22-plus in each game. In their last matchup against the Houston Rockets, Clarkson went off for 22 points, five rebounds, and one assist.
For Jazz fans, this is not outside of the norm. In fact, Clarkson has been balling all season long. A top Sixth Man of the Year candidate, the seven-year veteran is averaging 17.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists this season. He has played an integral part in Utah's success, and it's time he receives the credit he deserves.
Starting his career with the Los Angeles Lakers back in 2014, Clarkson became a solid rotational player immediately. After spending three and a half years in Los Angeles, Clarkson found his way to the Cleveland Cavaliers and played with LeBron James. After being a part of the Cavaliers team that LeBron led to the NBA Finals, Clarkson played for Cleveland for another year before going to Utah in the middle of the 2020 season.
At 28 years old, it seems Jordan Clarkson has found the perfect fit in Utah. He's having a career year and has been clutch from the free-throw line, shooting a 94.9%. Clarkson has been leading the way off of the bench for the Jazz, playing as the main scoring option for the bench squad. He does have some solid help around him though, as Derrick Favors and Joe Ingles both play vital roles for the team as well.
With Donovan Mitchell's absence, Clarkson has stepped up his game in a big way. In fact, the coaching staff should highly consider finding more playing time for him even after Donovan Mitchell comes back to the lineup. Bouncing back and forth between the point and shooting guard positions, Clarkson has been a versatile weapon.
Due to Clarkson's high level of play, the Jazz haven't missed a beat with Mitchell out of the lineup. It has been an impressive run for this organization this year, and they likely won't be satisfied until they walk away with a championship. Once this team becomes fully healthy, opposing teams will have a tough time beating them in the postseason.
Look for the Jazz to possibly separate themselves from the Suns, as their next three games are favorable matchups. They play the Minnesota Timberwolves twice in a row and then take on the Sacramento Kings right after. We'll see if Jordan Clarkson can continue his streak of 22-plus points on Saturday in their first matchup against the Timberwolves. If he does, you can expect the Jazz to find a way to get him even more involved.
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