Clarkson ‘blessed’ to make history as first NBA champ of Filipino descent

Posted by siteadmin
June 16, 2026
Posted in SPORTS
JORDAN CLARKSON (Sarah Stier / Getty Images / AFP)
JORDAN CLARKSON (Sarah Stier / Getty Images / AFP)

Jordan Clarkson has made history.

As the New York Knicks ended a 53-year championship drought, Clarkson became the first player of Filipino-descent to win an NBA championship.

Speaking to ESPN courtside moments after the final buzzer, the Fil-Am guard was overcome with emotion.

“Amazing bro, speechless! This is crazy, bro. Just blessed. Thankful, man. Sacrifice baby, one day at a time,” he said.

The celebration extended to his family. His father, Mike Clarkson, took to Instagram to reflect on the journey.

“For all who’ve supported or even criticized over the years, there’s nothing to take away or tarnish. Jordan was blessed to be mentored and play with one of the greatest ever (Kobe Bryant) and has accomplished nearly all he could. To God be the glory! He’s reached the mountain top walking, running or crawling,” the elder Clarkson wrote.

“Enjoy and here’s to hoping everyone can live their best life, too. Amen,” he added.

“God’s plan will always come to fruition when you believe and commit and dedicate yourself to finding your purpose. Praise be to God,” he continued.

The 34-year-old guard came off the bench throughout New York’s finals run, tallying 3.4 points and 1.4 rebounds in 7.7 minutes across five games in a supporting but steady role.

His finest moment of the series came in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, putting up 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting, with three rebounds, a steal, and a block in just 13 minutes on the floor.

The Knicks clinched the series with a 94-90 win in Game 5. (ABS-CBN News)

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