Heading into their matchup on Sunday versus the New York Knicks, Jordan Clarkson and Alex Caruso knew that they could be paired together on the court especially with the Los Angeles Lakers missing the services of Lonzo Ball and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Understanding the situation, the two played very well and turned heads with their chemistry during the game.
When asked what made it possible for them to both excel and compliment each other’s games, Clarkson shared, via ClutchPoints' Ryan Ward, that he believes that their Texas connection worked in their favor, making him a bit more familiar with Caruso’s tendencies on the court having played against him back in college.
Jordan Clarkson on playing well with Alex Caruso: “He’s from Texas, I’m from Texas, you know what I’m saying…I’ve been watching AC play, I played AC in college…it’s just kind of coming together for us.” #Lakers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) January 22, 2018
Clarkson grew up in San Antonio and starred for Wagner High School before taking his talents to Tulsa and Missouri during his NCAA days. Caruso on the other hand is from College Station and remained close to home by choosing to play for Texas A&M from 2012-2016.
Both players had big games on the night, with Clarkson finishing with 29 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and three steals to become the first reserve in NBA history to record that kind of stat line. Meanwhile, Caruso had nine points, four rebounds, eight assists, and two steals of his own, impressing many in the process.
If they can continue playing at the same level, or even surpass it, the Lakers will definitely benefit and it could be the start of a hot streak for them. They badly need it at this point as they plan to contend for one of the last playoff spots in the competitive Western Conference.
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