NBA: Crawford happier with role in Atlanta

The Associated Press

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PORTLAND, Ore. — Jamal Crawford is happy with his new team and his new role.

"This is the most fun I've had because I haven't had these kinds of athletes, ever. So it feels good," he said after scoring 27 points off the bench to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 97-91 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night.

Al Horford's dunk with 56.6 seconds left made it 95-89 and all but sealed it for the Hawks.

Crawford, who was acquired by Atlanta in the offseason after splitting time between New York and Golden State last year, said he's adjusting to his role.

"I think it gives us good balance," he said. "We have a really, really strong starting five and we have a really good bench, so we try to balance both and make the best of it."

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