The time is now: Jordan Clarkson needs to step up for Knicks

New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson (00). Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The time is now: Jordan Clarkson needs to step up for Knicks

By Simoun Redoblado | Last updated May 7, 2026 7:42 PM ET

When OG Anunoby landed awkwardly in the final minutes of Game 2, an entire fanbase groaned in pain. The last thing that Knicks supporters want to see at this point is a key rotation player in street clothes.

It's a particularly tough break when said rotation player happens to average 21.4 points per game on a mind-blowing 61.9% of 12.1 field goal attempts. While Anunoby's status could be much worse (a day-to-day designation as a result of his right hamstring strain), it's an unwanted question mark in the Knicks' latest push to reach the Finals.

Anunoby's injury is a tough break for New York as they look to finish off the Philadelphia 76ers. It's a good thing, then, that they have a backup plan sitting right there on the bench. A player, in fact, who went viral after using "magical" healing powers on Anunoby just a few weeks ago.

OG Anunoby twisted his ankle and asked to come out of the game.

Declined treatment from a trainer, re-tied his left shoe.

Here’s Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado using ancient forgotten healing methods on him: pic.twitter.com/qSLGE50m9Z
— Kris Pursiainen (@krispursiainen) April 18, 2026

Jordan Clarkson, who joined the Knicks on the week of the trade deadline, deserves credit for adjusting his game to Mike Brown's rotations. Given the circumstances in New York, Clarkson will now have to dispense with standing humbly in the corner and chipping in an offensive rebound every now and then.

In a word, Clarkson needs to remember who he truly is. Not a supernatural healer, but a natural scorer on the court.

It's safe to say that this season is an outlier for JC, whose 17.8 minutes per game under Brown's system is the lowest usage of his career. Here are Clarkson's numbers in the first 11 seasons of his NBA stint: 16.0 ppg on 43.6% FG shooting and 53.9% true shooting in 27.7 minutes of action.

Jordan Clarkson today highlights vs. Warriors:

31 POINTS
5 ASSISTS
4 REBOUNDS

Jazz won against Warriors 131-128 ✅ pic.twitter.com/1xHJVobrh2
— DV highlights (@DVhighlights) February 6, 2025

This is the role that the former Sixth Man of the Year was born for: cold-blooded scoring machine who gets his buckets efficiently. Clarkson's increased production would go a long way in filling the void left by Anunoby on offense.

What about OG's defense, though? The Knicks have a Plan B for that, as well. After all, Mikal Bridges has the wing span and defensive chops to do what Anunoby does. Bridges has also gotten his offense going in the Knicks' past three games, but the scoring burden left by Anunoby doesn't have to fall squarely on his shoulders.

The Knicks have a plan C for that, and his name is Jordan Clarkson.

Simoun Redoblado

Simoun Redoblado is a basketball and combat sports enthusiast. He has written opinion pieces, listicles, and feature pieces on the NBA, FIBA, Olympic Games, and the local basketball scene in his home country. A product of the University of the Philippines, Simoun dreams of becoming a play-by-play commentator someday.

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