Cameron Johnson Leads Team In Scoring, Shows Suns Depth
Cameron has averaged twenty points a game in the Phoenix Suns last four games. He led six players in double figures in Phoenix 120-90 win over the Portland Trailblazers Wednesday night. Johnson was 6-8 overall and 4-5 from three. Deandre Ayton contributed 18 and 8 rebounds. Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder both finished with 15 points.
Aaron Holiday and Cameron Payne combined for 17 assists on the night. The Suns had 32 assists on 40 made field goals. The teams ball movement led to 50% shooting, 40-80 from the field, on the night. Phoenix made 14 threes as well, with seven different players making at least one.
Phoenix’s Depth Shows on Defensive End as Well
Brandon Williams 14 points led the Blazers in scoring. Trendon Watford and Drew Eubanks had 13 points apiece for Portland. The Trailblazers shot just 38.5% from the field. The Suns shut out Anfernee Simons after the first quarter. The Portland guard finished with 11 points on 4-10 shooting. He also had four turnovers. The Suns forced eighteen turnovers leading to 22 Phoenix points.
The Suns outrebounded the Blazers 46-35. Rebounding is key for Phoenix, and area where the team struggles times. Javale McGee led the team with 9 rebounds. He also set the tone defensively with 4 blocks. The Trailblazers shot just 11-31 from three on the night.
Shamet and Payne Must Contribute More for Phoenix
Landry Shamet had 12 points but struggled from the field at 4-12 and 2-8 from three. Cameron Payne only had 5 points and was 2-8 from the field. Payne ran the offense well, dishing out 8 assists to two turnovers.
Shamet missed nine games before returning against Oklahoma City. Payne, before Wednesday, last played sixteen games ago against the Indiana Pacers. With Devin Booker and Chris Paul out both will be asked to contrute more. Shamet must find his touch from three. He’s shot 34.9% this season on threes, down from 38.9% for his career. Payne will take on Paul’s role as a playmaker. If both players can step up their games then the Suns will be able to weather their All-Star backcourts absence.
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