He just doesn't miss when it matters. Well, mostly. If you watched the Denver Nuggets' latest outing, you saw exactly why the front office pulled the trigger on that massive trade over the summer. Cameron Johnson 3 pointers last game weren't just about the volume; they were about the absolute surgical precision he’s brought to Mile High.
The Nuggets were rolling, and Johnson was a huge reason why.
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Let's look at the numbers because they're kinda wild. Johnson finished the night with 3 triples on 5 attempts from beyond the arc. That's a cool 60% from deep. In a league where everyone is hunting for "3-and-D" wings, Cam is basically the gold standard right now. He logged 36 minutes in that 126-115 victory over the Orlando Magic, and honestly, he looked like he could have played another 12.
It wasn't just the shooting, though. He grabbed 11 rebounds. That's his first double-double of the season.
Why the Nuggets Trade Changed Everything
A lot of people were scratching their heads when the Brooklyn Nets moved him. I get it. Brooklyn was his home, and he was the "twins" anchor with Mikal Bridges. But in Denver? He’s playing next to Nikola Jokic. That's a cheat code.
When you have a 3-point specialist like Johnson standing in the corner while Jokic manipulates the entire defense, the shots aren't just open—they're practice shots. Last game, two of his makes were "catch-and-shoot" situations where the defender wasn't within five feet.
You can't leave him. You just can't.
Breaking Down the Shot Map
If you look at where those Cameron Johnson 3 pointers last game actually came from, it’s a masterclass in floor spacing.
- The Right Wing: One transition three where he stopped on a dime.
- The Left Corner: A classic Jokic find that basically froze the Magic defense.
- Top of the Key: A late-clock heave that hit nothing but nylon.
The variety is what kills teams. He isn't just a corner specialist anymore. He’s moving, using screens, and finding those pockets of air that make life miserable for opposing coaches like Jamahl Mosley.
Honestly, the most impressive part of his "last game" performance was the efficiency. He didn't force a single shot. He took 9 total field goals and made 6 of them. That’s the definition of playing within the system.
The Durability Question
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Cam has struggled to stay on the floor throughout his career. He’s only played more than 60 games once. That’s the risk.
But right now? He looks fresh. His lateral movement on defense was noticeably quicker last game than what we saw in the early-season slog. If he stays healthy, Denver isn't just a playoff team; they're a title favorite.
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He’s averaging about 15 points over this recent stretch. His shooting from deep is hovering around 48% over the last 13 games. That is borderline elite. You're talking about Klay Thompson or prime Ray Allen levels of efficiency in a supporting role.
What This Means for Your Fantasy Team
If you’re still holding out on him in fantasy leagues, what are you waiting for? He’s finally left those early-season shooting woes in the rearview mirror.
His value in category leagues is skyrocketing because of the percentages. He doesn't hurt your field goal percentage like many other high-volume shooters. Plus, the uptick in rebounds—11 in the last game—suggests he's being more aggressive in the paint.
Final Thoughts on the Stroke
There is something inherently satisfying about watching Cam Johnson shoot a basketball. The high release point. The lack of wasted motion. It’s a pure shooting stroke that doesn't break down under pressure.
In the fourth quarter against Orlando, when things got a little shaky and the lead cut to six, he hit that third triple. It felt like a dagger. It was a dagger.
Moving forward, expect the volume to stay right around 5 to 7 attempts per game. As long as he's sharing the floor with Murray and Jokic, the quality of those looks will remain the highest in the NBA.
If you're looking to track his progress, keep an eye on his "contested" versus "uncontested" shot frequency. Right now, he’s feasting on the open ones, but his ability to hit with a hand in his face is what separates him from the league-average shooters.
Check the box score for the next matchup against the Pelicans. If the defense collapses on the Jokic post-up, Johnson is going to have another field day from the perimeter. Load up on his over/under for 3-pointers if the line stays at 2.5—he's cleared that with ease lately.