7. Jamal Crawford (8)
Season stats: 17.8 MPG – 9.3 PPG – 2.2 APG – 0.5 SPG – 40.8% FG – 33.6% 3PT – 94.1% FT
Weekly stats: 19.4 MPG – 8.3 PPG – 3.5 APG – 0.5 SPG – 42.4% FG – 15.4% 3PT – 100% FT
After admitting his lower minute total was a “surprise“, It was only a matter of time before we saw Jamal Crawford step up and take more playing time.
We had to wait until the end of the power rankings week to see the explosion, however.
Crawford’s combined 10 points on a ghastly 4-17 shooting over the 76ers, Kings and Suns games may have felt like a storm, but the rainbow that arrived in the Portland game was worth the wait.
Jamal Crawford from the logo!
— NBA (@NBA) December 19, 2017
He beats the shot clock buzzer and the @Timberwolves have fought back to within 2 of the @trailblazers. Three minutes left to play.#leaguepassalert pic.twitter.com/naSf3JTrcg
Crawford exploded for a season-high 23 points on 10-16 shooting, with the deep jumpers falling and the mid-range jumper looking as wet as it has all season. The real show though was the fourth quarter barrage that J-Crossover put on.
The 3x Sixth Man Of The Year dropped 16 of his 23 points when it mattered most, finishing with a team-high +12 in the miracle comeback win.
After the game, while still on the court with Marney Gellner, JC was quick to deflect the praise, typical of the classy veteran he is.
"“For us, it’s just about doing it the right way, doing it as a team. I think sometimes adversity doesn’t just build character, it reveals it and tonight we answered the call” he said to a cheering Target Center crowd."
Jamal Crawford has found his rhythm, and if he can stay in it it is going to be tough for coach Thibs to give him those extra minutes he craves.