Jordan Clarkson returned to San Antonio ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the Spurs, describing the moment as deeply connected to his upbringing in the city.
During Tuesday’s press conference on June 2, Clarkson said, “Definitely feels amazing. Kind of unreal, honestly. Just growing up in this city.”
He expanded on his early basketball memories and local roots, adding, “Having a teammate that went to the same high school with me as well, Kevin. A lot of memories playing the state championship games. Just a lot of growth, man, from here as a kid.”
Clarkson also highlighted the emotional presence of family at the Finals stage, saying, “So, this definitely feels great and seeing my family members, them being able to come to a finals game, it’s just amazing.”
The guard also reflected on San Antonio’s playoff atmosphere during his childhood. “I mean, the energy is always amazing,” he said. “My stepmom worked at the Westin, so I would see the parades through the hotel balconies and stuff.”
He continued, “If I would sneak around there and at the hotels at that time, everybody was staying at the Westin downtown. Being able to take pictures and run up on players for autographs. I was definitely that kid.”
Clarkson described how the city’s basketball culture shaped his perspective, stating, “Around to see this energy and see how alive this city comes when the Spurs are in the finals and winning championships. So, it’s a great experience.”
The discussion also turned toward the emotional support of his family, especially his father. Clarkson said, “My dad definitely, he’ll be a Knicks fan this series. I wouldn’t let him have it any other way.”
He added context about his parents’ connection to the NBA environment in San Antonio: “My dad detailed the cars of a lot of Spurs players in terms of washing them and doing that. And then my mom has worked at the hotel and with those NBA teams.”
Clarkson also spoke about his father’s health battle, saying, “For my dad, just seeing the grind and the fight that he’s always put up with the battle with cancer and everything.”
He continued, “So, his strength and everything has poured into me over this time. And I’ve been losing myself in the game in terms of basketball.”
On his role in the Knicks’ playoff identity, Clarkson pointed to the team’s rebounding effort and collective approach, stating, “That’s just our identity. One through 15, I think we all are trying to impact the game in any way.”
He added, “We got a lot of players that do multiple things and we’re very versatile in all positions. So, doing the small things is a big emphasis for us that we put on everybody and that’s what we try to do.”
