The New York Knicks are gearing up for the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, where the focus isn’t just on the stars. A key player emerging from the Knicks’ bench might provide the much-needed edge in this championship series.
Jordan Clarkson: The Knicks’ X-Factor
Jordan Clarkson has proven to be a significant offensive weapon for the Knicks when facing the Spurs. In the two regular-season matchups, he averaged 17.5 points, shooting an impressive 53.8% from three-point range. His overall plus-minus of plus-20 highlights his impact on the game.
Potential Game-Changer for the Knicks
Clarkson’s role has varied during the playoffs, often ranging from over 15 minutes in some games to less than eight in others. This inconsistency raises questions about how much he will contribute in the Finals. However, the Knicks have turned to him multiple times after extended absences due to coach Mike Brown’s rotation strategy.
- Average Points: 17.5
- Three-Point Shooting: 53.8%
- Plus-Minus: +20
Clarkson’s ability to hit catch-and-shoot attempts, especially from long range, will be crucial. He had a 52.3 effective field goal percentage in the regular season, but last year with the Utah Jazz, he shot catch-and-shoot triples at a solid 37.1% on over three attempts per game.
Need for Scoring Depth
The Spurs successfully neutralized the offensive threats of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren in the Western Conference Finals. This success underscores the necessity for the Knicks to find additional scoring options beyond its All-Stars, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
With his prior experience and proven track record against San Antonio, Clarkson could play a vital role in alleviating offensive pressure during critical moments of the series. The Knicks may indeed look to harness his scoring ability to secure victory over the Spurs.
