Jordan Clarkson could be a difference-maker for the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The Knicks, who secured the third seed in the Eastern Conference, are set to face the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. While the Hawks may not be a major threat, the Knicks might need more offensive output than they typically get from Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges to advance further in the playoffs.
Clarkson’s Playoff History
Clarkson is described as a veteran guard with a history of strong offensive performances in the playoffs. Numbers suggest that defences struggle to contain him over an entire series. Across 43 career playoff games, Clarkson has averaged 11.7 points per game.
In the 2021 first-round matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, Clarkson averaged 18.6 points per game. He followed that up with 16.7 points per game against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round. The next year, in the 2022 first round against the Dallas Mavericks, Clarkson averaged 17.5 points per game across six games.
Consistency and Minutes
The seven-game series format could provide enough opportunities for Clarkson to have a significant impact. In 2025-26, Clarkson averaged 18.3 points per game when playing more than 30 minutes per game. His scoring dropped to 11.5 points per game when playing between 20 and 29 minutes, and down to 7.3 when playing between 10 and 19 minutes per game.
- 2021 vs Grizzlies: 18.6 points per game
- 2021 vs Clippers: 16.7 points per game
- 2022 vs Mavericks: 17.5 points per game
Recent Performances
Clarkson hasn’t been in the playoffs since 2022, but he’s scored in double figures in his eight most recent playoff games. He’s had some major playoff performances, including scoring 26 points in slightly fewer than 29 minutes in the 2020 NBA Playoffs. He demonstrated that ability this season, as well, scoring 27 points in 26 minutes in mid-March against the Jazz.
Clarkson’s offensive prowess could help lead the Knicks to the NBA Finals. It is not at all illogical to expect to see Clarkson change the fortunes of the Knicks in at least one game in the playoffs. Frankly, Clarkson could impact an entire series thanks to his offensive prowess.