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LOS ANGELES -- Just as he has to wait to come into games, Jamal Crawford had to be patient about receiving the NBA Sixth Man Award. Carl Bradford Jersey. The 34-year-old guard was honoured on Thursday, a week later than usual. The delay was caused by the controversy involving team owner Donald Sterling, who was banned for life by the NBA after a recording surfaced in which he made racist comments. "Weve known it for a while, but obviously with all the stuff going on we decided to try to let it die down before we gave him the award or he would never be able to talk about the award," Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. "Im glad were finally able to do this." Crawford became the oldest recipient and the first to win with different teams. He also was honoured as the leagues best player off the bench while with the Atlanta Hawks in 2009-10. "Its pretty cool," he said during a presentation at the teams practice facility, with teammates including Chris Paul and Blake Griffin cheering him and poking fun of his suit and tie. "I didnt know what a family was on the court until I got with these guys," an emotional Crawford said. "Ive been on a lot of teams and usually guys, they go their own way. But with us, everybody is included, everybody is a part. They make everybody feel like family." Crawford led the leagues reserve players in scoring this season, averaging 18.6 points. He came off the bench in 45 of 69 games he played in, helping the Clippers to a 57-25 record, their best regular-season mark in franchise history. Crawford went so far as to say he hopes to spend the rest of his career with the Clippers, an organization roiled by Sterling telling his friend V. Stiviano that he didnt want her to bring black people to Clippers games. "As long as Im with this group of guys and with Doc leading us, everything else will work itself out," Crawford said. The Clippers had a 31-14 record when Crawford came off the bench this season. Crawford set the single-season franchise record for 3-pointers made with 161. That surpassed his record from last season, his first in Los Angeles, when he was runner-up for the Sixth Man award. "He can score in his sleep," Rivers said. "Ive never seen a guy that can sit for 15 minutes and literally be on the floor for a half-second and they swing him the ball and hes ready to shoot and make some shots." Rivers even made an exception to his policy of not running a play for someone when they first enter the game. "Hes a lethal scorer, but he adds more value when he does other things," the coach said. Rivers was among those in the NBA who knew Crawford by reputation, a player who only wanted to score and not defend. But Crawford put that to rest this season, especially when Paul was injured. "This year hes ran the point guard position, hes been my best passer at times when C.P. was out," Rivers said. "Hes been our defender, hes in the right spots. Hes been a complete team guy, so Im really happy for him." Crawford received 57 first-place votes and 421 total points from a panel of 125 sports writers and broadcasters throughout the U.S. and Canada. He joined Kevin McHale, Ricky Pierce and Detlef Schrempf as two-time winners. Taj Gibson of Chicago finished second with 395 points and San Antonios Manu Ginobili was third with 138. Crawford had his best month in January, scoring in double figures in 15 of 16 games and helping the Clippers go 12-4 that month. On Jan. 25, he had 37 points and 11 assists in a win over Toronto -- the most points he scored off the bench in his career and his most with the Clippers. It was the second time this season he had that many points and assists; he totalled those numbers against Sacramento on Nov. 29. Crawford missed 13 games in March and April because of a sore Achilles tendon, but rallied to return in time for the playoffs. The Clippers and Thunder are tied 1-1 in their Western Conference semifinals series. The award sponsor Kia will donate a 2015 vehicle to a charity of Crawfords choice. Mason Crosby Jersey . The Kings were beaten on a goal by Logan Couture after the Sharks played the entire 89 seconds of overtime on the power play. The Kings were received penalties for both hooking and goaltender interference in the final minute of regulation play. Khyri Thornton Authentic Jersey . The Jets are 1-2-1 against Nashville this year despite outscoring the Predators 11-10. Blake Wheeler and Olli Jokinen lead Winnipeg with four points, while Craig Smith has four for the Predators.PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. -- Scott Brown shot a 4-under 68 at Spyglass Hill on Friday and leads the Pebble Beach Invitational by one stroke over Jason Kokrak after two rounds. Brown had two bogeys and six birdies, all within 10 feet. He is at 10-under 134 for the tournament. "It was nothing too crazy," said Brown, who earned first PGA Tour win last season at the Puerto Rico Open. "I hit a few shots and made a few putts. It was just a good vibe day." Kokrak, who opened with a 67 at Pebble Beach, had a 68 at Del Monte. Kokrak also had six birdies and two bogeys. Morgan Hoffmann, who opened with a bogey-free 65 at Spyglass for a one-shot lead over four players, shot a 71 at Pebble Beach. Hoffmann had four bogeys and five birdies and is third at 136. Starting on the back nine at Spyglass, Brown opened with two birdies and followed with two bogeys. He then had four birdies and no bogeys the rest of the round. "I am really not doing anything differently," said Brown, now early inn his third PGA Tour season. Davante Adams. "I just feel a lot more comfortable out there then I did a few years ago. Not doing anything too crazy is good." Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam, who has played in the event several times since her LPGA retirement in 2008, had a 71 at Del Monte en route to a 141 total. Defending champion Tommy Gainey, Chesson Hadley, Ted Potter, Jr. and Brown trailed by one after 18 holes. But Gainey stumbled to a 13-stroke swing with a 78 at Spyglass Hill. Gainey is grouped among seven players at par 144. Hadley carded a 73 at Spyglass and is grouped with seven players at 139. Potter, Jr., shot 71 and is tied with four other players at 137. John Cook, who had a 70 at Del Monte, and Kirk Triplett are among five players at 139 and the low scorers among nine Champions Tour players. The 42nd event includes 80 professionals from the PGA, LPGA, Champions and Web.com Tours competing for the same prize money. The winner earns $60,000 of the $300,000 purse. ' ' ' |
