Clippers’ Jamal Crawford loses NBA sixth-man award to J.R. Smith

J.R. Smith of the New York Knicks will be honored as the NBA’s sixth man of the year instead of the Clippers’ Jamal Crawford, according to a number of reports citing league sources.

Early in the season, it was apparent that the Clippers’ high-scoring acquisition was the front-runner for the award as he helped the team vault to the top of the NBA standings and eventually finish with a 56-26 record and their first Pacific Division title.

Crawford, a 13-year veteran known for his variety of crossover moves and instant offense, finished the regular season averaging 16.5 points, 2.5 assists and 1.7 rebounds in 29 minutes a game. He made 44% of his shots from the field, including 38% from three-point range, and 87% from the free-throw line.

Smith, though, became a focal point of the Knicks’ offense when injuries continued to take their toll on several teammates this season. New York finished the season 54-28 and won the Atlantic Division for the first time since the 1993-94 season.

The high-flying guard, in his eighth season, averaged 18.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 33.5 minutes a game. He shot 42% from the field, including 36% from three-point range, and 76% from the free-throw line.

The Knicks have reportedly scheduled an afternoon news conference to present Smith with the award.

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