When the Phoenix Suns trade for Tyler Johnson, they were expecting a certain type of player. He showed his face in the loss to the Hawks.
The Phoenix Suns trade for Tyler Johnson, as they needed another experienced guard next to Devin Booker in the backcourt. Fans didn’t know quite what to expect from him prior to his arrival in the valley. In his first few games, he only brought disappointment as his shooting appeared to have stayed in Miami. However, in the loss to the Atlanta Hawks, he showed who he is and this is the player that the Phoenix Suns need each night.
He brought out the flamethrower last night, scoring 29 points. It was only the third time this season that a Sun not named Booker scored at least that many points. Deandre Ayton and T.J. Warren both did it once earlier.
Quite the efficiency was shown as he made 10 of 16 shots (63%), 4 of 6 threes (67%) and 5 of 6 free throws (83%). The scoring total on the amount of shots is solid but he was making them from all over the court and was also getting to the free throw line which is welcome as the youth can learn how to get to the stripe.
His all around stats were very good as well. He grabbed 5 rebounds, dished out 4 assists, picked 2 steals and swatted a shot for 1 block. Perhaps the most impressive stat was his 0 turnovers. He didn’t turn the ball over even once during the entire game.
Tyler went berserk in the third quarter, putting 17 points on the board and keeping the team in the game. Having a player other than Booker that can get you that level of offense in a quarter is very pleasing.
In the fourth quarter, he quieted down which was a little disappointing but he still put his mark on the game. With just over 4 minutes to go, he hit a clutch shot to put Phoenix up by 3 points. He also made 2 clutch free throws to tie the game with just over 3 minutes remaining.
I wrote a piece just the other day about his jump shot mysteriously disappearing but it came back in force last night. I like Tyler and I’m glad he had the night he did.
The end result was the same old Suns, unfortunately, as they lost and their losing streak now sits at 17 games. However, Johnson showed something last night and hopefully he can stay hot and help the team grab a couple wins and show even more leadership here on out. He certainly didn’t quit and that speaks levels all by itself.