Jordan Clarkson addresses his Gilas Pilipinas future, reacts to win over China / News - Basketnews.com

Jordan Clarkson commented on his incredible third-quarter performance vs. China, praised the Philippines fans, and expressed optimism about continuing to represent his country in major FIBA competitions: "I don't think this was my last performance with this jersey."

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Jordan Clarkson saved his best for last. Utah Jazz star dropped 34 points on Saturday and guided his Gilas Pilipinas to the first FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 win over China.

Player of the Game EFF 29 Jordan Clarkson Points 34 Accuracy 11-18 Rebounds 2 Assists 3

Clarkson's performance was highlighted in the third quarter when he demonstrated why he is a constant scoring threat.

In that quarter alone, the 31-year-old guard poured in 24 points, including five three-pointers in just two minutes. Astonishingly, he outscored the entire China national team during the period, which managed only 11 points.

"The basket just felt big at that point," Clarkson touched on his performance in the post-game conference. "We had a good flow. In that third quarter, my teammates were just finding me. We started getting good screens and good looks. I was just able to knock shots down.

"And the energy from the crowd, honestly," he added. "When you started hearing that, as loud as it was, it was kind of hard to calm me down at that time. I stayed hot. The crowd was just amazing. The fans were amazing. There was so much energy, so we just wanted to win.

"It was a tough tournament for us. But we kept playing, fighting, and competing. We really wanted to end this on the right note. We just wanted to show our heart."

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Clarkson continued praising the Manila crowd, saying that the tournament and the five games he played were a unique experience.

"The crowd was a super big factor," he underlined. "Like the coach said, with everything going on -- the weather [typhoon], they came and supported us. We wanted to continue to fight. We have been doing that all cup. Just respect our families and everything.

"All of us gave 110% effort and fans as well. Packing the stadium, being loud, and supporting us. They were a big part of us winning. You know, they were pushing us to this last W."

Clarkson averaged 26.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists during the FIBA World Cup 2023. It was his second stint with the Philipines national team after the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

As for his future with Gilas Pilipinas, despite being 35 years old by the time of the FIBA World Cup 2027 in Qatar, Clarkson expressed optimism about continuing to represent his country.

"Yeah, I think so," he stated. "35 ain't that old. 30 is the new 20, right? I still feel young. I am still able to compete. I do not think this was my last performance with this jersey. I have more time, and I still can hoop.

"Hopefully, down the line, when that time comes around again, I will be able to put this jersey on and represent the country," Clarkson added.

Game highlights:

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