After losing three consecutive games and five out of their past six, the Brooklyn Nets found themselves in a slump. But on Tuesday night, they had a chance to get back on track against the visiting Charlotte Hornets. And Cam Johnson, a 2017-19 UNC basketball forward, answered the call with a remarkable performance.
As the former No. 11 overall draft pick, Johnson delivered a season-high 34 points, only four shy of his top scoring outing as a pro. He was on fire from the field, hitting 11 out of 20 shots, 6 out of 12 from beyond the arc, and 6 out of 6 at the foul line. His 38 minutes on the floor were a team-high effort, and he also added five rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks. However, he did have five turnovers, but his impact on the game was undeniable.
Cam Johnson's 18.1 points per game this season with the Brooklyn Nets are 2.6 more than his previous career high. This is his third season in Brooklyn after spending three and a half years with the Phoenix Suns at the start of his NBA career. He is also outperforming his previous campaigns in the assist department, averaging 2.9 assists per outing.
What's more, he is now shooting a career-best 91.8 percent at the charity stripe. These are remarkable achievements for Johnson, and they show his growth and improvement as a player.
While Cam Johnson was shining on the court, the Nets' other UNC basketball talent, Day'Ron Sharpe, has not made his season debut yet. The 23-year-old, a 2020-21 one-and-done in Chapel Hill, is still recovering from a left hamstring injury that he sustained in early October. Fans are eagerly waiting for his return to the court.
Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball news and updates on the Nets' players.