Cameron Johnson has been on a roll for the Phoenix Suns coming into Friday, but his momentum was cut short. Johnson exited the game against the Portland Trail Blazers with an apparent knee injury during the first quarter.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Cameron Johnson appears to be limping as he is heading to the locker room with a lower body injury. #WeAreTheValley pic.twitter.com/4fQrOdZW4O
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) November 5, 2022
The 26-year-old only registered five minutes of playing time before his unfortunate knee injury. Given that the Suns are off to an impressive start for the season, health will be a huge factor.
Johnson put up a season-high 29 points last game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He shot 58 percent from the field, knocking down seven three-pointers in that timespan as well. The former UNC standout hit his 2,000-point milestone also against Minnesota.
Johnson was named a starter this offseason by head coach Monty Williams, given his capable play last season.
As such, the bench has been searching for a new identity without Johnson’s full-time services. Now, depending on the severity of his knee injury, the starters will depend on Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton more.
Phoenix is 6-1 coming into its meeting with Portland. The Suns have won their last five games at home, with their only lost of the season coming against the Trail Blazers.
While the Suns certainly value what Johnson brings to their two-way versatility, they weren’t able to come to terms with him on an extension. Given how the rest of the season plays out, Johnson could be in for a hefty payday come this summer. His insertion as a starter came at the expense of Jae Crowder, who’s requested a trade.
