The Nets fell to the Toronto Raptors 116-112 on Friday at Barclays Center and wrapped up their 2024-25 preseason schedule with a 1-3 record. While the team had its struggles as a whole at both ends of the court in the loss, veteran forward Cam Johnson played lights out on offense from start to finish, though.
Johnson’s future with the rebuilding Nets was questioned throughout the entire offseason. Against the Raptors, he showed why different teams around the league have been flirting with the idea of potentially trading for him.
The 28-year-old enjoyed his best preseason performance by far — and really one of the best offensive performances of his career — finishing with 32 points, four rebounds and four assists in 32 minutes.
Johnson first 21 points came in the first half. He went 11-of-21 from the field overall, knocked down seven treys, and reminded general managers around the league that he can be an elite catch-and-shoot player when healthy. He had scored at least 30 points in a game three times entering Friday’s matchup.
Brooklyn shot 41.8% from the field and 31% from 3-point range against Toronto. The Raptors shot 48.9%% from the field and were paced by 21 points, six rebounds and three assists from fourth-year forward Scottie Barnes.
While Friday was Johnson’s best offensive game of the preseason, he had looked a lot better at both ends of the court this preseason overall. Lower body injuries affected his ability to find his shooting rhythm last season. He looked much better physically over this four-game stretch, moving more fluidly on the court. And with his longtime running mate Mikal Bridges now playing across the bridge in Manhattan, perhaps this will be the season Johnson steps into a larger role and gets his efficiency back on track.
If there are teams around the league zeroing in on acquiring Johnson, Friday was a masterful showcase of his talents. It was just a preseason game, sure, but perhaps Sean Marks’ asking price went up after that performance.
Johnson and his fellow starters played deep into the fourth quarter in their final tune-up ahead of the regular season. The next one is for real. The Nets will open the 2024-25 season on Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena.
