Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy has been in the spotlight for his candid remarks on defending Dallas Mavericks' star player Luka Dončić, as well as for his unique approach to a historic team milestone. Hardy humorously admitted his struggle in containing Dončić, who had a triple-double in the first half the last time the teams met, by saying he would prefer the Mavericks to score 90 points with Dončić accounting for 85, as long as his team scored 105. In a separate incident, Hardy was heard urging Jordan Clarkson to secure a rebound which would give him a triple-double, the first for the Jazz in a regular season game in 16 years. Hardy's comments were captured during the game, showing his determination to see Clarkson achieve the milestone, but also his awareness of the crowd's expectations, joking that he would have been the most hated man in the building had he substituted Clarkson out before he could complete his triple-double.
Mics caught Will Hardy demanding Jordan Clarkson get a rebound to snap Jazz's 16-year triple-double drought https://t.co/up9cRDAQcv https://t.co/Fp7MGBqLJv
Will Hardy on what he told Jordan Clarkson before his triple-double: "I said get a rebound and call time out immediately. I'm obviously not here to mess up a good time. I understand that I would've been maybe the most hated man in the building if I had subbed him out." https://t.co/FUVcgyYKJS
This is tremendous. Jazz on the verge of history, Will Hardy demanding Jordan Clarkson “go get a rebound so i can sit your ass down. god damnit.” (Context: The Jazz are on the verge of recording their first regular season triple-double in 16 years) https://t.co/obWV8ICM7O
This is tremendous. Jazz on the verge of history, Will Hardy demanding Jordan Clarkson “go get a rebound so i can sit your ass down. god damnit.” https://t.co/Z5JQtAKhwG
Jazz coach Will Hardy with a good explanation re: defending Luka: "I’m clearly an expert. He only had a triple-double in the 1st half last time we played them . . . In a perfect world, I would love for the Mavericks to score 90 points, Luka to have 85 of them and we score 105."