PHOENIX SUNS

Suns’ Cam Johnson scores career-high 24 points in win over Clippers

Jan 6, 2022, 10:21 PM | Updated: 10:45 pm

Cameron Johnson #23 of the Phoenix Suns reacts with Cameron Payne #15 after a three-point shot agai...

Cameron Johnson #23 of the Phoenix Suns reacts with Cameron Payne #15 after a three-point shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Thunder 113-101. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Phoenix Suns forward Cam Johnson hit his team’s first shot on Thursday and did not stop there.

He scored a career-high 24 points in Phoenix’s 106-89 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at Footprint Center.

His previous high was 22 points, which he scored on Nov. 21 against the Denver Nuggets.

Thursday was Johnson’s 18th-straight game with double-digit points, as he has not finished with fewer than 10 since November.

He also extended his streak of hitting multiple threes, which he has done for an NBA-high 21 games.

The Suns struggled from the field for most of the game outside a 35-point second quarter.

Johnson was Phoenix’s main source of offense for most of the night.

The Clippers hung around and cut the deficit to three in the fourth quarter.

But, Phoenix point guard Chris Paul dissected his former team’s defense down the stretch. He made key passes and baskets to put Los Angeles away.

His chemistry with center Jalen Smith was evident, as the young big tied his career-high with 19 points.

Paul finished with a career-high 13 rebounds along with 10 assists and 14 points. This was his first triple-double of the season.

Johnson hit a dagger three with 2:06 left in the ballgame.

The Suns improved to 30-8 with the win and are in the top spot of the Western Conference.

They will take on the visiting Miami Heat Saturday night at 7 p.m.

That game will air on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson shoots over Los Angeles Clippers center Serge Ibaka during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Phoenix Suns guard Elfrid Payton (2) shoots between Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) and guard Amir Coffey during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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