Kofi Inkoom
In a thrilling showdown at the Manila Araneta Coliseum, the Philippines basketball team, led by NBA star Jordan Clarkson, delivered a spectacular performance to secure their first victory in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
With a breathtaking 24-point explosion in the third quarter, Clarkson guided his team to a resounding 92-73 triumph over China, not only giving the Filipino fans a reason to cheer but also keeping their hopes alive for the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.
Clarkson’s heroics marked a historic moment for the Philippines. Not only did they claim their first win of the World Cup, but they also avoided a fate that had befallen previous host nations.
The roar of 11,080 passionate fans in the arena was a testament to the significance of this victory. The Philippines refused to follow in the footsteps of their 1978 counterparts and Colombia in 1982, who both went winless as host nations.
The victory also bolstered the Philippines’ impressive record against China. With a 10-6 record, they have consistently shown their mettle against their Asian rivals.
Remarkably, this encounter marked the first time these two teams faced off in a World Cup match, with their only previous meeting dating back to the 1948 Olympics, where the Philippines emerged victorious with a score of 51-32.
Jordan Clarkson ‘s Third-Quarter Performance :
The game was tightly contested, with the score deadlocked at 48-48 in the third quarter. This is when Jordan Clarkson decided to take center stage.
Jordan Clarkson with the incredible burst, scoring 20 of his 33 points in less than 4 MINUTES! 🏀💨 Pure domination! #FIBAWC #WinForPilipinas
— NBArepublic.com (@nba_republic) September 2, 2023
In a mesmerizing display of skill and precision, he unleashed a 25-2 scoring surge, including five consecutive three-pointers.
This remarkable run catapulted the Philippines to a commanding 73-50 lead, effectively sealing the fate of the match.
Furthermore, Jordan Clarkson’s performance was nothing short of legendary. His third-quarter outburst alone left fans in awe and made him the clear choice for the TCL Player of the Game.
By the end of the game, Clarkson had amassed a staggering 34 points, including five three-pointers. His contributions extended beyond scoring, as he also contributed 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.
In the pivotal third quarter, Clarkson singlehandedly outscored the entire Chinese team, posting an impressive 24 points to China’s 11.
Additionally, the Philippines’ victory was a result of both individual brilliance, thus Jordan Clarkson performance, and team effort. They committed only 9 turnovers throughout the game, showcasing their discipline and control.
Finally, the team’s accuracy from inside the arc was remarkable, with a shooting percentage of 62% on two-pointers. Defensively, they held China to a mere 24% shooting from long range and dominated the boards with a 46-31 rebounding advantage, including 13 crucial offensive rebounds.