Crawford has triple-double in Wizards’ win

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

In a forgettable season, the Washington Wizards made some unlikely history. Until Friday night, no team in NBA history featured two rookies with triple-doubles in the same season.

Jordan Crawford, who was buried on Atlanta’s bench until late February, had 21 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds to lead the Wizards to a 115-107 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Crawford’s first triple-double follows that of fellow rookie John Wall, who had one in November in just his sixth NBA game. Wall was suspended for this game after he was ejected Wednesday against Miami for a skirmish in the second quarter.

Andray Blatche tied a career high with 36 points and had a career-best 19 rebounds to lead the Wizards. His 16 offensive rebounds were a franchise record and a league high this season. JaVale McGee, who also had a triple-double last month, added 25 points.

Without Wall, Crawford started at the point, and began slowly. Fifteen of his points and nine rebounds came in the second half.

Crawford, who had 39 points in the fracas-marred game against the Heat, likes to defer credit to his teammates.

“They did a good job making me look good,” Crawford said.

When told his teammates said he made them look good, he laughed.

“Oh man, they’re lying,” he said.

The Cavaliers closed to 83-82 at the end of the third quarter, but Washington ran off 11 straight points early in the fourth for a 96-84 lead.

Ramon Sessions scored 26 points for the Cavs and J.J. Hickson had 21 points and 10 rebounds.

“It wasn’t really that physical at all,” Hickson said. “Guys like Blatche got so many offensive rebounds because I wasn’t there being physical, I was just trying to get the rebound.”