Clarkson On More Jazz Fans In Arena: ‘That’s Live… That’s Lit’
Feb 2, 2021, 12:04 PM
Jordan Clarkson signs autographs for fans before making his Utah Jazz debut against the Portland Trailblazers. (KSL Sports | Ben Anderson)
(KSL Sports | Ben Anderson)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Though some have bemoaned welcoming more fans back to Vivint Arena during the COVID-19 pandemic, Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson is excited to see more fans out in support of the team.
“That’s live, I think that’s lit,” the gregarious Jazz sixth man said. “Hopefully is a little bit louder there. Playing in a quiet arena is a little different but it’s definitely nice to have the arena a little bit more packed in there and have another home-court advantage for us.”
The Jazz will face the Detroit Pistons tonight in front of nearly 4,000 fans in the arena after the team upped the capacity from 1,500 to 3,902 to begin February.
The @utahjazz are increasing the number of fans allowed at @vivintarena to 3,902 beginning tomorrow against the @DetroitPistons. #TakeNote https://t.co/Y92mRGCm5p
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 2, 2021
The arena will be the second fullest among the nine teams allowing fans to view the games in person, second only to the Orlando Magic.
The Jazz are one of the few teams that seem to have benefited from playing at home this season, though truly their overall terrific play may deserve more credit than the team’s fans.
The team is 8-2 in Salt Lake City, having won eight in a row after losing their first two home games to open the season.
The @utahjazz are one of four teams in the Western Conference to have a home-court record better than .500.
Jazz and Clippers are both 8-2. Warriors are 8-4, Rockets are 5-4.
Every other team is 5-5 or worse.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) February 2, 2021
Jazz Not Worried About Snapping Win Streak
While the Jazz have been terrific at home, they’ve also been one of the best road teams in the NBA this season. The Jazz 7-3 road record trails only the 12-1 Los Angeles Lakers and the 8-3 Clippers for games played away from home.
The team did however lose their last contest on the road to the Denver Nuggets, snapping a league-best 11-game win streak.
Despite the loss, Clarkson said the team’s mindset hasn’t changed.
“I think it’s just a loss, I don’t think we was expecting to go 68-4 this season,” Clarkson said. “I think the mood, the vibe, everything is the same. We’re still pressing issue defensively and playing fast, shooting threes, getting in the paint and just being us.”
The Jazz set a record for the most threes made in a single month by hitting 285 in January. The total eclipsed the Houston Rockets record of 279 made threes in 2016.
The @utahjazz set an NBA record with 2⃣8⃣5⃣ three-pointers in one month. 🔥🔥🔥#TakeNote https://t.co/iD9kamvcSJ
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 1, 2021
With a tough February schedule ahead, the Jazz are looking to get off to a fast start tonight against the Pistons.
“Just looking to bounce back tonight,” Clarkson said. “Try to get a win and start a new streak.”
The Jazz and Pistons tip-off at 8 pm MST, the game will be broadcast on AT&T SportsNet.
