Jordan Clarkson finally made his keenly-awaited Philippine debut and it was well worth the wait.
Clarkson, the Filipino-American basketball star, dazzled his way to a game-high 28 points as he kept the Philippines in the fight against mighty China in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers guard in the NBA was unstoppable especially in the third quarter, where he carried the Philippines back from 11 points down and back in the lead before China managed to escape with the 82-80 victory.
In one scintillating stretch, Clarkson hit three straight triples that sent the thick Filipino crowd at GBK Basketball Hall into a frenzy.
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The only thing that could slow Clarkson down, however, was an apparent case of cramps.
The 26-year-old Clarkson appeared to have cramped up in the final frame that affected his movement on the floor.
Philippines’ Jordan Clarkson leaves the court following his teams 82-80 loss to China in their men’s basketball game at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
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Clarkson, who was a buzzer-beating inclusion to the team after the NBA initially disallowed him to play in the continental showcase, also collected eight rebounds, four assists and two steals in 33 minutes of action.