Jordan Hamilton gets first start for Clippers as Barnes, Crawford injured
Jordan Hamilton was signed to a 10-day contract with the Clippers and six days later, he made his first start.
Hamilton, a Compton Dominguez High product, started for the Clippers in place of the injured Matt Barnes - out with a hamstring injury - and had 10 points and three rebounds in the Clippers' 110-105 win at Minnesota.
"You've just got to be ready," Hamilton said in the Fox Sports West Prime Ticket postgame show. "I didn't expect Matt not to pay tonight. Jamal (Crawford) got hurt. I just went in and did what Coach asked me to do."
Crawford left the game with a right calf contusion and didn't return for the second half.
"We don't think it's bad," Doc Rivers said. "It's the same reason we sat Matt out. When he said he had a contusion, I said, 'thats it.' "
Barnes sat on the bench in street clothes for the game. Blake Griffin has been out three weeks after having surgery to remove a staph infection in his elbow. When asked by reporters in Minnesota if Griffin could play Sunday at Golden State, Rivers didn't rule that out.
Clippers sign Compton Dominguez product Hamilton to 10-day contract
Crawford didn't return Monday, and J.J. Redick was assessed two technical fouls and ejected with 66 seconds left against the Timberwolves.
Hamilton was called upon to deliver after he was playing in the NBA Developmental League with the Reno Bighorns just one week ago.
"(It's about) just being comfortable," Hamilton said. "I was nervous for a little bit like when I just got drafted but now (I'm) just coming out and playing hard. I got my rhythm and just played basketball."
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Hamilton's contract will expire in four days, but the Clippers can sign him to another 10-day contract. Dahntay Jones, who started with the Clippers on a 10-day contract and later was signed for the rest of the season, made two free throws with 9 seconds left to seal the Clippers' win.
The Clippers - in fifth place in the Western Conference - are 7-3 without Griffin. They're also receiving help from unexpected sources, like Hamilton.
"Jordan got us off to a good start and played well for us," Rivers said.
