Lakers' Clarkson rallies behind Gilas after shocking loss

MANILA, Philippines -- Los Angeles Lakers' Fil-Am guard Jordan Clarkson took it upon himself to lift the morale of Gilas Pilipinas after a shocking 73-75 upset loss to FIBA Asia first timer Palestine on Wednesday.

The Lakers' rising star posted a heartwarming message addressed to the Philippine national team on his Twitter account few hours following the debacle in the 2015 FIBA Asia Men's Championship opening day.

"It was heartbreaking to watch," Clarkson wrote. "But we only lost the skirmish; not the war!"

Heartbreaking was an understatement as Gilas, which was tipped to dominate Group B squandered several double digit leads to a Palestine team, which only rotated seven players in the game.

Gilas was still leading 71-62 midway through the fourth quarter when the WABA third placers dropped a telling 10-0 run to grab the lead for the first time since the early moments of the opening canto.

Clarkson, who joined Gilas for a week in Manila and in Taiwan during the Jones Cup, asked the team to show how resilient Filipinos are.

"The real test of our team's heart will come against Hong Kong, Kuwait and others in the next rounds," Clarkson said.

"Let's show our fellow Filipinos and the world our resiliency and the pride it takes to win. Laban. Puso! Stay together, win together," he added.

The Fil-Am NBA player could have been in China with the team had his eligibility documents made it on time.

But nonetheless, he is looking forward to play with the Philippine national team in the future. 

Gilas Brother's: the day is coming soon... when WE will win when the world is watching! http://t.co/e1va9KREe6 pic.twitter.com/sBHxdVXNdY

— Jordan Clarkson (@JClark5on) September 23, 2015