ORLANDO, Fla. — Cam Johnson looked good in his return from injury on Wednesday, but even his shotmaking couldn’t save the Nets.
After missing the prior three games with a sprained right ankle, Johnson was a rare bright spot in a 114-106 loss to the Magic.
He had 13 points, three rebounds and two assists in 28:41 against the Magic. Johnson shot 4 of 7 overall and 2 of 4 from behind the arc.
Cam Johnson, who scored 13 points, shoots a jumper during the Nets’ 114-106 loss to the Magic. Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports “Yeah, I’m good,” Johnson said after his first game since he sprained his ankle on March 5 against Philadelphia.
The veteran forward, who had been starting before the injury, came off the bench Wednesday in favor of Dorian Finney-Smith.
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“We’re going to always look at what’s best for the team,” interim coach Kevin Ollie said. “I just thought he took care of his minutes, finished the game for us and, you know, that’s what I want him to understand. I thought he was great. I thought he was talking out there, he was trying his best, made a couple shots, which was great. But I loved his intensity and how he tried to win for our team.”
Lonnie Walker logged just eight minutes, while Cam Thomas logged 38:46 and Johnson played extensively.
Lonnie Walker (left) defends Cole Anthony during the Nets’ loss to the Magic. AP But after the sixth man had missed Saturday’s loss to Charlotte with an illness, he played Sunday against Cleveland and said he was fine physically against the Magic.
“Oh yeah, I’m good. I’m all good,” said Walker, adding the limited playing time was purely about game flow and not about a minutes restriction. “Yeah, the way the game goes.”
Walker finished with two points, no assists and no rebounds, making his only attempt from the field. But he said he was completely healthy.
“I’m back at 100 percent. I’m back to moving and grooving. Dancing a little bit, singing in the showers and stuff,” Walker said. “So you know God is good.”
Walker did, however, say he plans to catch up on his much-needed rest during Thursday’s off day.
“Uh, sleeping. I’m going to sleep my tail off: That is my end goal, my first goal and midst-goal, if that’s the thing,” Walker said. “But I know we have Thursday off, so I’ve never been to Disney so maybe I could try and sneak in there for the one time and have some fun.”
Thomas’ eight rebounds tied a career-high.
