The best sixth man to ever play the game, Jamal Crawford, turned 37 on Monday.
I think the proper term is 37 years young, because boy, does Jamal Crawford look every bit of it. The Clippers’ sixth man turned 37 on Monday, and he looks the exact same as when he entered the league.
— Clipperholics (@ClipperholicsFS) March 20, 2017
I mean, c’mon. He doesn’t age!
Not only does Jamal have more sixth-man of the year trophies than any other player in NBA history, but he has also provided us with some of the greatest highlights the game has ever seen. Known as ‘J-Crossover’, Crawford has cemented himself as one of the best ball-handlers in the history of the league. On top of that, one of the smoothest jumpers in league history as well. Today as we celebrate the birthday of the ageless wonder, we’ll take a look at the top 10 plays of his career.
Assuming he never stops playing (which is a pretty fair assumption to make), these are his top 10 best plays of his career up to this point:
10: R.I.P. Rudy Gay’s Ankles
It was the first game of the 2012 season, and the Clippers were facing the Memphis Grizzlies. This was the first time the teams had met since the dramatic seven game first round matchup months prior, in which the Clippers won. The Clippers not only handed the Grizzlies the loss on opening night, but Jamal Crawford nearly broke Rudy Gay’s ankles after showing off his handles and using a quick move to the lane for the jumper.
9: Dazzling Billy Crystal
As fans, we all enjoy watching our favorite players make amazing plays. Even celebrities enjoy it too. This smooth behind the back layup by Crawford not only energized the Christmas day crowd, but long-time Clippers fan, Billy Crystal, who was in the booth who was making a guest appearance during the game.
8. See ya later!
Wesley Matthews still hasn’t gotten over this one. One of J-Crossover’s more disrespectful moves, he goes behind-the-back to fake out Wesley Matthews & then pulls his signature crossover to finish the move and nails the open jumper.
7. Game Winner vs. Suns
Crawford has hit his fair share of game-winners in his days. One of his more memorable ones was this game-winning shot to defeat the Phoenix Suns. Down two, Crawford pulled up from well behind the arc, nailing the shot as time expired, giving the Hawks a one point victory.
6. Shake and Bake!
If you’ve seen the movie “Talladega Nights”, you know the famous phrase ‘Shake n Bake’. However, Jamal Crawford may be the creator of that term, as he leaves Kirk Hinrich grasping for air as he jukes his way to the hoop with this pretty play.
5. He Calls ‘Bank’
Okay, maybe he didn’t call bank, but it’s still a great shot. With less than three seconds remaining on the clock, Crawford gets the ball and hoists up a three, banking it in to give the Knicks a one point victory.
4. Shake and Bake! 2.0
Bringing back his iconic ‘Shake and Bake’ move, Deron Williams fell victim as Crawford does an insane behind-the-back move for a nasty two-point play.
3.) Jamal Crawford plays Hero
I don’t know what’s better, the game-winning three, or the call by Gus Johnson. They’re both equally as epic, as Crawford turns the ball over, then immediately steals it right back, pulling up and draining the game-winner with three seconds remaining. Going from possibly losing the game for the Knicks to winning the game for them in a matter of seconds.
2.) Single-Handedly eliminates the Jazz
It’s safe to assume Jamal may never be welcomed in Salt Lake City for the rest of his life. The most recent play on the list is one of Crawford’s most impactful. With only a few games left of the regular season, the Clippers traveled to Salt Lake City to take on the Jazz. Having already clinched a playoff berth, the Clippers were resting most of their starters. The game went into overtime, where Crawford silenced the crowd, hitting this shot with 0.2 seconds remaining on the clock. The reason this shot was so huge, was because this loss essentially eliminated the Jazz from the playoff hunt, as they desperately needed to win to stay alive.
1.) Game-Winner in Playoffs
As mentioned earlier, Crawford has hit his number of game-winners, but none more important than this one in Game Three of the 2011 NBA playoffs. The Hawks and Magic were tied 1-1 in the first round. Up one, with only five seconds remaining, Crawford banked in the long three, extending the Hawks’ lead to four, and giving them the victory. The Hawks went on to win the series 4-2, but not without help from ‘J-Crossover’ himself.
What’s your all-time favorite Jamal Crawford moment?