Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan calls Jamal Crawford ‘Benjamin Button’

Jamal Crawford is 35 years old, but when he gets going on the court he appears to be at least a decade younger.

After scoring 37 points in the Clippers’ 101-96 win over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, DeAndre Jordan compared Crawford to “Benjamin Button,” a backwards-aging character in an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story that was later adapted for a movie.

Said Jordan: “He’s Benjamin Button. Being as old as he is, ready to play at all times.”

When Crawford was told of the analogy, he laughed and shook his head. But he clearly agrees with its sentiment.

“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 helped the Clippers overcome a 17-point deficit against the Pistons, filling a huge hole caused by the absence of starters Chris Paul (groin) and J.J. Redick (back spasms), who average a combined 30.5 points a game.

Crawford’s first step and release may be as quick as ever, but his age may manifest itself in the form of fatigue at times. At one point during the game, Crawford told Austin Rivers that he was gassed, but Rivers didn’t show any pity.

“Because Jamal is older, he got tired, man,” Rivers said. “That third quarter he looked at me like, ‘C’mon, please.’ I was like, ‘You hit four in a row, man. I’m a point guard, my job is to go with the hot hand.’”

Before Saturday, the two-time sixth man of the year had taken a backseat role so far this season. He entered the game averaging 11 points, his lowest output since his third season in the league in 2002-03, when he averaged 10.7 points.

That clearly didn’t affect Crawford’s confidence.

“Jamal can go 0-for-30 and think he’s hot,” Rivers said. “That’s what makes him who he is.”

Crawford’s status on the Clippers seemed uncertain over the summer after the team acquired nine new players, including shooting guard Lance Stephenson.

Crawford often interacts with fans over Twitter via question-and-answer sessions, and when one fan asked Crawford in July if he’d be in a Clipper uniform when the season began, he responded: “I think.”

A perpetual journeyman, Crawford has played for six teams over his 16-season career. He has been with the Clippers for four seasons now, most recently averaging 15.8 points and 2.5 assists off the bench in 2014-15.

Crawford has said he knows he could be a starter elsewhere, but he wants to play for a championship contender. As for his relatively diminished role this season, Crawford said he’s willing to be patient and do whatever it takes to help his team win.

“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. The good thing about it is all of us want to make it work, we really do.”

His teammates admire his attitude. But even more so, they admire his play, especially at this stage in his career.

“I’m a fan, honestly,” Jordan said. “The guy had almost 40 points.”