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UNC Basketball: Cam Johnson’s Big Night For Phoenix Suns

By Mark DeMott

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 19: Chris Paul #3, head coach Monty Williams and Cameron Johnson #23 of the Phoenix Suns on the sidelines during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 19, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 19: Chris Paul #3, head coach Monty Williams and Cameron Johnson #23 of the Phoenix Suns on the sidelines during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 19, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The former UNC basketball star was on fire in the Suns’ win over the Minnesota Timberwolves last night.

Cam Johnson has had a very good start to his NBA career, making an NBA Finals and becoming one of the best sixth men in the league in his first few seasons.

This year, however, for the first time in his career, the former UNC basketball standout has become an everyday starter in “The Valley.”  Through the Suns’ first seven games (in which the Suns are 6-1), Johnson is currently averaging career-highs in points, assists, and minutes per game.

On Tuesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Johnson showed the nation what he can do during a nationally televised game.  The former Tar Heel dropped a game-high 29 points, drilling seven huge threes, including two daggers in the fourth quarter as the “T-Wolves” were trying to mount a comeback.

Along with his offensive explosion, Johnson showcased another part of his game that has gone to a new level since he joined the association: defense.  In a game where the Suns were without their star big man, Deandre Ayton, Cam was matched up for much of the game with former No. 1 overall pick and Kentucky star, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Johnson held his own on that end of the floor as well.

With three steals and a block, the Moonship, PA native helped the Suns keep the ‘Wolves big man duo of Towns and Rudy Gobert in check en route to the 116-107 victory.

It is nice to see a former fan-favorite like Cam Johnson making a big impact at the next level.  NBA stars on the Suns like Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Mikal Bridges have the utmost respect for Johnson as a player and a teammate.

UNC basketball fans will continue to cheer on Cam (and of course his younger brother Puff) throughout the coming months.

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