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UNC Basketball: NBA Tar Heel Helps Lead Nets to Statement Win

UNC basketball product Cam Johnson contributed an efficient scoring effort to Brooklyn's blowout victory over Utah.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
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Ben Simmons made his well-hyped return for the Brooklyn Nets (19-27) on Monday night, and former UNC basketball forward Cam Johnson played his part in ensuring the team showed what it's capable of with their former No. 1 overall draft pick back in action. They posted a 147-114 home win over the Utah Jazz (24-24).

Simmons flirted with a triple-double (10 points without missing a shot, eight rebounds, 11 assists) in only 18 minutes off the bench.

As for Johnson, the No. 11 overall pick in 2019 following his two seasons as a Tar Heel, he finished with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal while shooting 6-for-10 from the field, 3-for-4 beyond the arc, and 2-for-2 at the charity stripe across his 30 minutes as a starter.

Between his past three outings, the 27-year-old has knocked down eight of his 13 attempts from downtown while totaling only two turnovers.

Cameron Johnson, in his fifth season as a pro and first full campaign in Brooklyn, is now averaging 13.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists as a full-time starter. He's shooting 45.6 percent from the field, 40.4 percent from three, and 72.4 percent at the foul line.

He and the Nets, who have won two in a row and currently sit at No. 10 in the Eastern Conference standings, look to build on what they displayed against the Jazz when they host the Phoenix Suns (27-20) at 8:30 p.m. ET Wednesday.

Brooklyn's other UNC basketball talent, center Day'Ron Sharpe, remains out of commission with the knee injury he sustained a few weeks ago.

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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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