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NBA Awards Watch: Golden State Runs the Table

By Brad Rowland

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after scoring against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after scoring against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) shoots a basket against the defense of New Orleans Pelicans forward Luke Babbitt (8) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) shoots a basket against the defense of New Orleans Pelicans forward Luke Babbitt (8) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

6th Man of the Year

  1. Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers – Quietly, Crawford is turning in a career season at the age of 34. The versatile guard has always been perfectly fitted to a sixth man role based on his propensity as an “instant” scorer, but this season, he is performing quite efficiently, with career bests in both PER and true shooting percentage. There should be debate as to whether the veteran can keep up this previously unmatched level of play, but Jamal Crawford has been lights-out this season, and as such, he has been very fun to watch on a nightly basis.
  2. Lou Williams, Toronto Raptors – After being left (at least by many) for dead in Atlanta, Lou Williams has risen once more. The veteran combo guard has emerged with 14.6 points per game off the bench in Toronto, and he is up to some old tricks, with nearly 5 free throw attempts per game (85.8%) and 37.6% shooting from beyond the arc. At age 28, Williams is never going to be a lockdown defender for you, but he is capable of excelling at both guard spots, and as a primary engine for a contender in the East, he’s earned this nod.
  3. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs – This is a long-service mention for Ginobili, who has been awesome when he has played this season. The 37-year-old has only appeared in 21 games (playing 24.4 minutes per contest), but Ginobili is averaging 12.3 points and 4.5 assists per game despite that limited court time. His overall efficiency has left something to be desired, but there is no one who defines the term “crafty” more than Manu Ginobili.

Next: Defensive Player of the Year

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