National Basketball Association

Jamal Crawford on rib injury: 'It was pretty tough to breathe'

Published Nov. 2, 2014 4:46 p.m. ET

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Jamal Crawford was out for the Clippers' game against Sacramento with a rib injury that will require tests.

Crawford said he suffered the injury when defending the Lakers' Robert Sacre during Friday's game at Staples Center. The play happened 22 seconds into the fourth quarter of the Clippers' victory. He got hit on the left side in the ribs.

"I was playing defense actually. (Robert) Sacre, I went over (to) my man, and Sacre said offensive foul," Crawford said before Sunday's game. "I think it was the fourth quarter. I felt it and with adrenalin you keep playing. After the game, I felt it. I was like, 'Oh no, I know this is going to be (worse) tomorrow or the next day. (Saturday) I felt it even worse. I couldn't tie my shoes or breathe or anything. It was pretty tough to breathe. I'm going to get some images."

Crawford said it also hurts to laugh. It's unclear whether he will get an MRI or X-ray.

Asked whether he was doing better Sunday, Crawford said: "A little better, but when I breathe deeper I can feel it."

This could be a blow to the Clippers as Crawford is the NBA's reigning Sixth Man of the Year. In two games, he's averaging 19 points, 3.5 assists and 27 minutes per game.

"I'd rather have it happen early in the season than later on," Crawford said.

Doc Rivers has talked about how much better the bench plays when Crawford is on the floor with reserves.

.@jcrossover talks injured ribs @jillpainter @laclippers https://t.co/6beXTfJNEO
— FOX Sports West (@FoxSportsWest) November 2, 2014

The Clippers are playing four games in a span of five days, all at Staples Center. The Clippers beat Oklahoma City and the Lakers before taking Saturday off. The lost to the Kings Sunday and will play Utah on Monday.

"I would love to know how many teams play all four games and everybody is healthy, that not one guy misses a game in all those four," Rivers said. "Typically, someone gets nicked and misses one of those. That hurts your team."

UPDATE: X-rays were negative, according to the Clippers. Crawford is doubtful for Monday's game against Utah.