3 Bright Spots for Phoenix Suns in First Game without Chris Paul

Phoenix Suns Takeaways: Cameron Johnson is still a bucket-getting machine

Cameron Johnson stepped up more than anyone can ask. His role on this Phoenix team is unlikely to change anytime soon as the go-to scorer off the bench. However, Johnson has been asked to start 11 games this season (including last night), already equalling his total starts from last season.

In those 11 contests, Johnson has averaged 17.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game on 72.3 percent true shooting.

In the first half of last night’s game he stayed relatively quiet. He only had two points and two assists at the break. It was not until the second half that he got comfortable, getting himself open for a pair of corner threes early into the third quarter.

Those baskets gave Johnson confidence, and he soon started to attack the rim, earning layups and trips to the charity stripe. He finished out his night by hitting a big three with about 15 seconds left, pushing the Suns already growing lead to 15 points.

Johnson playing more efficiently beside the starters should put a smile on the face of any Suns fan. In the playoffs, Johnson will be playing a ton of minutes alongside the starters being one of the few bench players guaranteed to see major minutes every night.