Rowan Kavner
LOS ANGELES – The Clippers’ single-season 3-point record has fallen each of the last three seasons.
Jamal Crawford set the team’s record during the 2012-13 season by knocking down 149 3-pointers. He then broke his own record last season, hitting 161 shots from deep, before a healthy J.J. Redick broke the record with 12 games still remaining by hitting his second of four 3-pointers on the night Friday against the Wizards.
Redick scored six of the Clippers’ first nine points by nailing two 3-pointers in less than a 30-second span just after the first two minutes had passed in the first quarter. The second long-range jumper gave Redick 162 3-pointers for the year. He’d never had more than 117 3-pointers in a season, and he’s already got 164 this year.
He said there’s “no question” it’s a cool feat to now own the team’s single-season record for 3-pointers, but what makes it even more special is that he’s made a difference in Clippers’ history with his friend and teammate.
“The fact that it was Jamal was cool, too,” Redick said. “Him and I have struck up a great friendship.”
Redick said his wife sent him a screenshot of the top three seasons for Clippers’ 3-point shooters, and she only had to look through the last three years to do it.
“It shows you the Clippers haven’t had a great history, but we’re kind of writing that history right now, this group is, and it’s a pretty cool thing to be a part of,” Redick said.
With Crawford out, the Clippers have needed Redick more than ever, and he’s delivered. Redick’s averaging 15.8 points per game this year, but he’s up to 21.2 points per game this month.
“Any time there’s guys out, there’s an onus on other people to step up and take on a little bit more responsibility,” Redick said. “When scorers get out, somebody’s got to use those possessions. It’s funny, I don’t feel like I’m playing any differently now that Blake (Griffin)’s back. Blake took 19 shots (Friday). We run such good stuff and our offense is so good, our spacing’s good, our ball movement’s good, you could have anybody getting 15 to 20 shots.”
DeAndre Jordan said he’s amazed at how many screens Redick can come off of and still hit a jump shot without getting tired throughout the course of the game.
The Clippers may need Redick to do that for a while longer, as it doesn’t seem like Crawford will return any time soon from his calf injury.
“I’m concerned, make no mistake about that,” said head coach Doc Rivers. “I was pretty confident Blake would be back at some point, so I didn’t have concern with that, but I do have concern about Jamal, I’ll say that.”
Rivers said “there’s a chance” when asked if there’s any indication Crawford may not come back at all this season, although he hopes that won’t be the case and isn’t sure about that at this point. Crawford hasn’t played since March 2 in Minnesota.
“I don’t know right now,” Rivers said. “He’s improved, but not enough, I can tell you that. He’s nowhere near, in my opinion, playing. We just have to hope he gets better.”
Chris Paul said it’s been tough without Crawford because he’s such a huge part of the team and the offense. Crawford’s averaging 16.4 points per game this year.
“We need him, but guys have been stepping up,” Paul said. “I tell Jamal all the time that we’re going to need him more in the postseason than we do right now. He’s doing everything he can to get back on the court.”
