USA Today via Reuters
Jan 30, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 30, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
During the prime of his career, there are only a handful of players who could go head to head against Shaquille O’Neal. The Diesel had an amazing career, winning four NBA Championships. Undoubtedly, he was one of the best centers the league had ever seen.
Shaq was a brute force back in his day and holds a plethora of records to his name. One such record was the highest +- in the fourth quarter of the game in the last 25 years. He achieved this feat back in 2002, when he used to play for the Lakers.
Suns’ Jae Crowder nearly surpasses Shaquille O’Neal in a record
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via Imago
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 24: Shaquille O’Neal attends Shaq’s Papa John’s Pizza Grand Opening on August 24, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Prince Williams/Wireimage)
However, after almost two decades, Suns’ Jae Crowder almost came close to beating Shaq’s record. In the 132-114 victory over the Pelicans, Crowder was nothing but amazing, especially in the fourth quarter. Crowder finished the game with 20 points along with two steals as he helped the team to improve their record to 18-10.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, “Jae Crowder finished +30 in the 4th quarter. Over the last 25 seasons, the only player with a higher plus-minus in a 4th quarter is Shaquille O’Neal in 2002 (+32).”
Jae Crowder finished +30 in the 4th quarter.
Over the last 25 seasons, the only player with a higher plus-minus in a 4th quarter is Shaquille O'Neal in 2002 (+32). pic.twitter.com/UlAhM4bNNA
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 20, 2021
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Crowder has been playing great for the Suns this season. He is averaging 10.7 points per game for the franchise, and they must be happy with his outcome. But on the other hand, the same cannot be said for the Miami Heat, Crowder’s former team.
Did the Miami Heat make a mistake by letting Jae Crowder go?
The Heat’s 2020 NBA postseason run was a complete team effort, and Crowder’s contributions were crucial as well. He was a huge presence on the defensive end of the floor. Furthermore, Crowder also has the ability to score from time to time.
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But the Heat let him go and they are in a bad spot this season. As their starters are struggling to get going, a player like Crowder could have helped them in such a time.
What are your thoughts on the Heat’s decision to let go of Jae Crowder? Feel free to share your views in the comments section below.
