LA Clippers

Clips' DeAndre Jordan: Jamal Crawford is 'Benjamin Button'

Published Nov. 16, 2015 5:43 p.m. ET

foxsports

No matter what his driver's license says, Los Angeles Clippers reserve guard Jamal Crawford doesn't seem to age one bit on the basketball court.

"He's Benjamin Button," DeAndre Jordan said following Crawford's 37-point performance against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Times. "Being as old as he is, ready to play at all times."

In the movie "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Brad Pitt portrays the titular character who ages in reverse, going from an elderly man to a young child.

When relayed the analogy, Crawford -- who has played some of his best basketball with the Clips, despite being in his mid-30s -- laughed it off before agreeing.

"I feel like I'm better because now I'm wiser -- I know when to do it, and when not to," Crawford said. "Before, you're younger and you're reckless. I still feel like I can get anywhere on the court."

Crawford started the season poorly, averaging just over 11 points per game, so Saturday's performance was somewhat surprising. Some pundits were beginning to write Crawford off and criticize the Clippers' decision to keep him this offseason, and the murmurs were growing louder with every passing game.

Don't tell Crawford that, though. He never lacks confidence, no matter how poorly he's shooting or playing, and that was no different this season.

"I never really lose confidence and doubt myself, I'm just trying to figure it out," Crawford said. "I know in the past it's been more so me off of the bench. But we have a bunch of talented guys. ... Sometimes you have to kind of figure out how everybody's going to fit in, and take a step backward just to see how we can make it work."

Clippers coach Doc Rivers added, "Jamal can go 0-for-30 and think he's hot. That's what makes him who he is."

It's unreasonable to expect Crawford to keep up that level of production for the rest of the season, but it's also not fair to write him off just yet either. He's taken a step back, which is fine because the Clippers actually have a bench now. But he can still provide value when he's on, and when that's the case, the Clippers just need to ride that wave.