Phoenix Suns’ Cam Johnson has risen to occasion with increased minutes

Phoenix Suns forward Cam Johnson has found an increased confidence with the team in his third year, averaging career highs in points per game, field goal percentage, three-point percentage and rebounds per game.

Johnson was drafted as a three-point specialist but has molded his game into a complete product to get more minutes.

The forward has averaged 11.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game on 46.4% shooting from the field and 44.4% shooting from three.

“I look back at where I have been and where I have played in different roles, some of them were much more primarily on ball and much less of a three-point specialist,” Johnson said. “I used that to kind of get on the court, and from there it grew.”

As Phoenix has dealt with COVID-19 issues through many forwards and big men, Johnson has taken advantage of getting increased minutes when he was inserted into the starting lineup in absence of Jae Crowder.

Over his last 10 games, Johnson has averaged 16.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists on 55.5% shooting from the field.

Johnson scored a career-high 24 points in Thursday’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers. He has now 21 consecutive games with at least two made three-point field goals, the most in the NBA.

“I think the biggest difference is that I had to play more because Jae was not there,” Johnson said. “I am looking to do the same thing whether I am coming off the bench or starting, it does not really change my mindset or the teams mindset.”