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Republic: Johnson expands game at point
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Mar. 26, 2004 12:00 AM
Johnson may never handle the point guard job again after this season, or it may be an acquired skill that can keep him on the floor if the Suns bring in another shooting guard.
Regardless, coach Mike D'Antoni's move to have Johnson play more point guard has brought back the "Joe Cool" who was on fire in January while Amare Stoudemire was hurt.
With Leandro Barbosa still starting, Howard Eisley has been squeezed out of the rotation to leave Johnson at the point for the majority of recent games. Johnson spent 28 of his 43 minutes at the point in Wednesday's loss at Philadelphia, and 24 of his 45 minutes there in Tuesday's win at Cleveland.
"The biggest point was to try to expand his game because it requires you to see the floor," D'Antoni said. "I think he's seeing the floor better. We as a team are passing the ball better. The more we move the ball and make the extra pass, the easier the offense comes. Even if he never plays point again, being there and understanding what a point guard does is going to make him better."
Johnson shot 41 percent for 17 games after Stoudemire's return to the starting lineup. In the past three games, Johnson has hit 56 percent of his shots and has averaged 26.3 points. Better yet, he had 20 assists to eight turnovers in those three games after making just as many turnovers (25) as assists in the previous eight games.
Johnson's mix of pull-up jumpers on the move and driving floaters is tough on smaller guards. When Johnson is on the floor, the Suns have a lineup that starts at 6 feet 7 and makes them appear very long on defense.
"He's just scratching the surface right now," D'Antoni said of Johnson. "We really feel like he can go up another level or two."
Johnson seems to be enjoying his latest opportunity.
"It's always fun when I can handle the ball, get in the lane and make plays, not only for myself but for my teammates," Johnson said. "I'm just trying to seize the moment right now."
Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Mar. 26, 2004 12:00 AM
Johnson may never handle the point guard job again after this season, or it may be an acquired skill that can keep him on the floor if the Suns bring in another shooting guard.
Regardless, coach Mike D'Antoni's move to have Johnson play more point guard has brought back the "Joe Cool" who was on fire in January while Amare Stoudemire was hurt.
With Leandro Barbosa still starting, Howard Eisley has been squeezed out of the rotation to leave Johnson at the point for the majority of recent games. Johnson spent 28 of his 43 minutes at the point in Wednesday's loss at Philadelphia, and 24 of his 45 minutes there in Tuesday's win at Cleveland.
"The biggest point was to try to expand his game because it requires you to see the floor," D'Antoni said. "I think he's seeing the floor better. We as a team are passing the ball better. The more we move the ball and make the extra pass, the easier the offense comes. Even if he never plays point again, being there and understanding what a point guard does is going to make him better."
Johnson shot 41 percent for 17 games after Stoudemire's return to the starting lineup. In the past three games, Johnson has hit 56 percent of his shots and has averaged 26.3 points. Better yet, he had 20 assists to eight turnovers in those three games after making just as many turnovers (25) as assists in the previous eight games.
Johnson's mix of pull-up jumpers on the move and driving floaters is tough on smaller guards. When Johnson is on the floor, the Suns have a lineup that starts at 6 feet 7 and makes them appear very long on defense.
"He's just scratching the surface right now," D'Antoni said of Johnson. "We really feel like he can go up another level or two."
Johnson seems to be enjoying his latest opportunity.
"It's always fun when I can handle the ball, get in the lane and make plays, not only for myself but for my teammates," Johnson said. "I'm just trying to seize the moment right now."
If he can get passed the fact that Amare is going to be the #1 option then I will be happy.
