Miami Heat: Tyler Johnson hustles hard against the Brooklyn Nets
The Miami Heat bounced back with a win over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.
Welcome to the latest installment of Miami Heat Game Day Observation, where we will look at Tyler Johnson‘s performance in the 120-107 road victory against the Brooklyn Nets.
This was Johnson’s best game so far this season, and a welcome one at that, as he’s been inconsistent lately. And while the Nets may not have been the toughest competition, any win, especially after a three-game losing streak, feels good.
First Quarter
Johnson enters the game at 5:05, subbing in for Josh Richardson who has earned some rest.
He drives to the basket, but is pushed from behind by Shabazz Napier for a foul. The guard makes both free throws.
Swish.
Then he feeds big man Bam Adebayo, who gets the ball back, pump fakes, takes it to the basket and makes the floater.
Slow and steady, Johnson starts to make an impact.
Second Quarter
Johnson now gets the start, and makes the first basket of the quarter with a shot at the free throw line. He then also records his first board off a Rondae Hollis-Jefferson missed trey.
Wayne Ellington later sets a quick screen for Johnson in the paint and he cuts, scoring off a pass from Justise Winslow.
A deflection by Hassan Whiteside ends up in Johnson’s hands, who finds Winslow for a layup. Except that it doesn’t count, and he’s called for traveling.
(A questionable call at best.)
Johnson becomes quiet on the offense, but does a good job of locking down D’Angelo Russell on the other end of the floor. He also scoops up a rebound on a pass intended for Kelly Olynyk, that is deflected by Hollis-Jefferson.
Olynyk repays the favor though, as he finds a cutting Johnson, for a successful layup.
Johnson finishes the first half with 14 points on 5-for-7 shooting and three rebounds.
He’s activated.
Third Quarter
Johnson doesn’t see time on the court until 5:28, when he once again replaces Richardson. It takes a while for him to get going again, but eventually, he makes a layup.
The rest of the period pretty much consists of him being a defensive anchor for the team.
Fourth Quarter
Johnson goes back to starting for the Heat, and unfortunately, takes a Spencer Dinwiddie triple right to the face.
(Headshake).
But it’s okay, because soon after, Johnson splashes one of his own.
Kaboom.
He also assists Richardson in making one from downtown.
Johnson is replaced by Goran Dragic at 5:43, but returns around 3:55 to replace Wayne Ellington.
He makes a layup on a fast break off of a block by Whiteside, and that’s when Miami really starts to run away with it.
Soon after, he drains a beautiful, wide open 3 at the top of the key, and that’s pretty much game.
Johnson hits the final shot of the contest with a scoop layup, and finally, the Heat break their three-game losing streak.
No. 8 finishes with 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field (2-for-5 from downtown), alongside five rebounds and one assist.
It was a great showing by Johnson, through and through.
dark. Next. The Miami Heat Tip-Off, Week Four: What happens now?
The Miami Heat take on the Indiana Pacers tomorrow at 7 PM ET.