First two players of Filipino descent to share the court, making NBA history

The first two players of Filipino descent to share the court, Jalen Green and Jordan Clarkson, made NBA history. Last Thursday night’s game between the Houston Rocket and Utah Jazz marked the first time the two players were sharing the same NBA court. This is perfect timing to the celebration of the Filipino American History Month.

The game was held in Toyota Center in Houston. While it was the first time they’ll compete against each other, the stadium has decorations for the Filipino American History Month. The game ended with Jazz leading over the Rockets on 122-91. The Rockets’ standing is 1-3 while Jazz is still unbeaten.

Clarkson told NBC News before, “It means a lot to me to represent the Filipino American community because I’m so proud to share that bond.”

Utah Jazz vs Houston Rockets
Jordan Clarkson vs Jalen Green

It's Filipino Heritage night at Toyota Center 🇵🇭

📷 Houston Rockets#NBA75 #AlwaysAFan pic.twitter.com/FGcxrZo4Se

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) October 29, 2021

Filipino Roots

While Clarkson’s grandmother is a pure Filipino, Green’s maternal grandfather is from the Philippines too. Both Filipino American players have shown great basketball skills. As they have already contributed a lot to their teams at this early start of the NBA season. That said, they’re an addition to the growing list of Filipino achievers in the US and worldwide.

While Green is a Rockets rookie, he was the NBA’s second overall pick in the 2021 draft. He also ranks second place on the team scoreboard. This was after 4 games with 14.5 points.

On the other hand, Clarkson bagged the award as NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year last season. With 17.3 points in three games, he was third in place following Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. In addition, he also joined Gilas Pilipinas. It’s the Philippine National Basketball Team in the 2018 Asian Games.

https://twitter.com/JordanClarksons/status/1402672380414070784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1402672380414070784%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fiframe.nbcnews.com%2Fiqxfjs5%3Fapp%3D1

When a famous Filipino food truck in Salt Lake City was vandalized with anti-Asian insults, Clarkson reacted. He tweeted that he’ll help the truck owners restore the vandalized truck.

In addition, the Rockets organized a Filipino American Heritage Night festivity last Thursday night. The cultural milestone celebration involves all the attending fans receiving a Jalen Green jersey shirt.