Cameron Johnson has a Career Night to Save Suns

The Phoenix Suns should have lost to the Knicks Friday night. New York outrebounded Phoenix 49-33. Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle dominated the Suns in the paint. Cameron Johnson saved the day for the Suns with his clutch shooting. Johnson’s 21 and 6 threes in the fourth quarter, including the game winner at the buzzer, gave the Suns a115-114 win over New York.

Johnson had a career high 38 points for the Suns. His 9 three pointers for the game were also a career high. Cameron Payne had a career high 16 assists and 17 points. Mikal Bridges had 20, but only three points after halftime. Jae Crowder had a solid game with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Aaron Holiday continued his strong contributions since coming to the Suns from the Washington Wizards with 10 points and 4 assists.

The Suns shot 17-34 on threes. They also dished 28 assists on 38 made field goals. Phoenix needed every one of its 22-27 free throws. The Knicks shot just 6-10 from the free throw line in the second half, 21-30 for the game. Despite shooting 13-29 from three New York was only 1-5 in the fourth.

Randle’s Ejection A Key Moment

Before his ejection Julius Randle dominated the Suns bigs. Randle 25 points and 7 rebounds were the main reason New York led 86-76 with 2:40 left in the third quarter. Randle’s ejection during a scuffle with Cameron Johnson did not immediately lead to a turnaround for the Suns. Johnson guarded Randle for much of the game, and Johnson left the game after taking a shoulder to the midsection from Randle in the first quarter.

Even without Randle the Knicks punished the Suns in the paint. Mitchell Robinson shot 8-8 for 17 points for New York. He added 15 rebounds as well, 9 offensive. His play was key to giving the Knicks a 95-81 lead early in the fourth.

Six Knicks finished in double figures. RJ Barrett’s struggles hurt New York after Randle’s ejection. Barrett finished 6-26 with 20 points. Bridge’s defense on him down the stretch helped the Suns pull out the win.

Follow our Twitter

Check out our Facebook

Go check out our Shop

Check out SidelineSwap for great deals on a variety of sports gear and apparel!