All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball: NBA Tar Heel Back to Beaming in Brooklyn

UNC basketball product Cam Johnson's production is on the uptick with the Nets.

Matt Giles

Former UNC basketball forward Cam Johnson (Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)
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After a slow start to the season due to a left calf contusion, former two-year UNC basketball forward Cam Johnson's resilience and skill were on full display as he tallied a season-high 20 points in the Brooklyn Nets' 124-104 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.

Johnson shot 7-for-11 from the field, flexing his long-range accuracy with a 3-for-7 clip beyond the arc. He added five rebounds, two assists, and three steals across 29 minutes on the floor, marking his most complete performance for the 2023-24 Nets.

The 27-year-old former late lottery pick has averaged 14.3 points, 5.3 boards, 1.5 dimes, and 1.3 takeaways in his four games this season.

"[It was good] to see him and his ability to shoot the basketball, guard multiple positions, also get downhill and be disruptive on the defensive end of the floor," Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn explained to the media following the win over the Magic, Johnson's third game back in action after missing seven straight. "So more length for us."

With matchups against the formidable Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers next on tap, the Nets will undoubtedly rely on Cam Johnson's scoring ability.

Last season, the now-fifth-year NBA Tar Heel averaged a career-high 16.6 points per game after being traded to the Nets from the Phoenix Suns in a four-team deal in February. He's been a full-time starter since arriving in Brooklyn.

Cam Johnson and the Nets (6-5) will try to win their third straight game when they play at the Heat (7-4) on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Then, they will host the 76ers (8-3) on Sunday at 3 p.m.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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