Crawford catching fire in Knick of time

Crawford, a 6-5, 190-pound former first-round draft pick, is averaging 29.1 points over his last six games, including a 52-point performance in a win versus Miami on January 26. His 52 points tied former Knick great Bernard King for the sixth-best scoring spree in team history.

Crawford made 16 consecutive field goals versus the Heat and finished 20-of-30 from the floor. The Knicks hope his play will soon rub off on his teammates, as New York suffered its sixth loss in nine games with Wednesday’s 104-87 setback to Charlotte. Crawford had a team-high 28 points to maintain his hot stroke.

The Knicks are only four games off the lead in the Atlantic Division, but have been playing as if they were 14 games behind. Crawford’s play has kept head coach Isiah Thomas’ job safe for now, although the former NBA star will most likely be sent packing if New York fails to make the playoffs.

In 48 games this season Crawford is averaging 18.0 points, 4.5 assists and 3.2 rebounds.

New York is in the midst of playing five of six games away from Madison Square Garden, and has dropped three straight as the visitor. The Knicks own an 8-15 record on the road this season.

Meanwhile, Knicks guard Nate Robinson will defend his slam dunk title from last season in the upcoming All-Star game to be played February 18 in Las Vegas. Robinson beat out Sixers guard Andre Iguodala in last year’s tournament, thanks to a myriad of tries. The 5-9 Robinson has tremendous leaping ability and will try to become the first back-to-back dunk champion since Golden State’s Jason Richardson did it in 2002 and 2003.