Thu Nov 20 03:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the text:

Clarkson Finds New Life, Efficiency in Knicks’ Contending Atmosphere

MIAMI – Jordan Clarkson is experiencing a resurgence with the New York Knicks, showing improved efficiency and defensive effort after joining the team from the Utah Jazz. After concerning seasons where his shooting percentages dipped and defensive intensity waned in Utah, questions arose about Clarkson’s future, especially considering his age (33). Some wondered if his decline was attributed to the fact that the Jazz were intentionally tanking, creating a culture of apathy among its veterans.

However, through his first 12 games with the Knicks, Clarkson has demonstrated that environment, not age, was to blame. “It’s a level of focus. I’m glad to be back in this and part of this and back contending, be in the playoffs and know that we’re playing for something,” Clarkson said.

With the Jazz, Clarkson missed a huge amount of games in his last 3 seasons due to injuries. And his value dipped so low that the Jazz were forced to buy out his contract, rather than recoup assets in a trade. Now, playing in a system with legitimate playoff aspirations, Clarkson’s shooting percentages have seen a dramatic upswing, nearing career highs (47 percent overall and 39 percent from three-point range), a sharp contrast to his struggles in Utah. While his scoring is down, his shot attempts are too, and his turnovers have plummeted, reflecting a more efficient and impactful role.

Clarkson credits the Knicks’ system, which generates “great shots,” for the improvements. Instead of forcing difficult shots late in the shot clock as he often had to in Utah, he’s finding opportunities for catch-and-shoot attempts, contributing to a more balanced offensive attack. His defensive effort has also improved, fueled by the motivation of playing for a winning team with playoff aspirations. Clarkson is optimistic about further growth as the season progresses, aiming to peak as the Knicks prepare for a deep playoff run. He is currently playing at a defensive rating of 115.1, his best since 2022-23.

As Mikal Bridges pointed out, coaches can be more demanding with a winning team. Clarkson, who has been to the playoffs and NBA Finals before, knows this, and is ready to bring that mindset to his team.

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