Player exit review: James Johnson embodied Miami Heat culture

Apr 8, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) loses the ball as Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) loses the ball as Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
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Best Performance: April 5, 2017 at Charlotte: 26 pts (6-7 3pt), 4 rebs, 3 asts, 2 stls

Johnson’s first start of the season came in game 78 as he got the nod on an important night in Charlotte with the Heat looking to climb back into the playoff race.

In a dominating 13-point win where the Hornets never threatened the Heat’s lead, Johnson paced the team with his third 26-point game of the season including a season-high six 3-pointers on a night where the team set a new franchise record with 21 3-pointers.

It was the culmination of Johnson’s season of development as he, at times, appeared to be the Heat’s best player at any given moment. Johnson would start the final five games of the season for Miami, a stretch where they’d go 4-1 defeating Washington twice and Cleveland.