Jordan Clarkson

In complete command of the NBA spotlight as the only game on November 14, 2024’s schedule, the Utah Jazz’s method of victory proved just as fitting: wink-wink, non-verbal chemistry from the “JC” connection. Having brought much of the Delta Center to its feet with late-game heroics already, Clarkson — preparing to channel what he called “telekinesis” with his highflying frontcourt teammate — eyes the Dallas Mavericks’ defense in mid-switch. Zipping a pass through the floor’s heart before the blue-and-white can react, Clarkson connects on what soon became the game-clinching assist, guiding Jazz to victory as seven-and-a-half point underdogs. Clarkson’s crunchtime play added to the Mavericks’ last-second struggles, giving them their fourth-straight one-possession loss, the first team in 15 seasons to do so. In holding off their fierce comeback rally, the smooth-scoring combo guard turned in 20 points (on 7-of-16 shooting), four rebounds, four assists, three 3-pointers.