Jamal Crawford could return for Clippers' next game

By foxsports
Published

Jamal Crawford could return to the Clippers on Tuesday. 

The good news keeps rolling for the Clippers, who dominated the Lakers, 106-78, on Sunday to win their 10th of 11th game.

The all-Los Angeles game was a home game for the Lakers, and the Clippers set a record for most franchise road wins in a season with 25.

The Clippers play a home game against the Lakers in two days, and they could have Crawford back in the lineup. 

"Mal is a huge part of this team," Chris Paul said. "When he's ready I'll be out there. I'll be the happiest person when he comes back."

Crawford has missed the last 17 games with a deep contusion in his right calf. He traveled with the Clippers on their last roadtrip and has been working out with the team. 

He was figured to be doubtful for Sunday's game against the Lakers.

"He probably could've (played)," Doc Rivers said. "We don't know that. We'll have a shootaround and run him around a little bit and see. I would say he's probable, but I'm not going to say he definitely will (play) Tuesday."

The thought of Crawford, who is averaging 16 points per game, back in the lineup with four games left in the regular season was a welcome one. 

"He's one of the pre-eminent reserves in the NBA," J.J. Redick said. "He's a great sixth man. A great scorer. A guy who can finish games. A great fourth quarter player as well. He's been huge for us since he's been here and in the two years I've been here. Can't wait to have him back on the court." 

Crawford was having another Sixth Man of the Year-worthy season before the injury, as he was averaging 16 points per game off the bench.

The Clippers hoped he would be able to return to the team before the playoffs started, and if he's back Tuesday, he would have four more games to try to get into a rhythm. 

"That's huge for us," Rivers said of Crawford's seemingly imminent return.  "We need him. He makes it easier for the other guys in the second unit to score. He's a scorer, but it makes it easier for the other guys. Without him on the floor, I've found it difficult at times.

"The guys you want to be your secondary guys had to be your first guys scoring. And then they start keying on them and that made it hard. I think what happens is the second group, they appreciate Jamal a lot more. They understand what he does for them."