So many were loud in their opinions about giving up Michael Porter Jr. last offseason for Cameron Johnson. And rightfully so, at first. Cam had played poorly to start the year, but he started to look the part the Nuggets traded for to end the season. Cam’s performance in the Nuggets’ 125-113 Game 5 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the elimination game at home turned the corner on the trade, and it may have closed the book on how that trade worked out for the Nuggets.
Cam was spectacular in the Nuggets’ defensive, gritty win. Johnson finished the game with 18 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and a plus-24 when he was on the floor. It was a complete game except for the 2-7 from deep, but he made up for it with a 6-6 from two, including some aggressive drives for layups.
Cam helped open passing lanes for Nikola Jokic
The Nuggets need more of that aggressive play. Someone to create, attack, and pressure the rim on the offensive side. Cam had five of the six makes from two around the rim. It opened up the floor for Nikola Jokic, who had 16 assists, the most he’s ever had against the Timberwolves in the playoffs. Jokic had just 3 assists in Game 3’s loss, and 9 in Game 4.
It was great to see Cam pivot to the aggressive takes to the rim after realizing his three-ball wasn’t falling like the regular season. Cam is shooting just 24% from downtown in the series, after shooting 43% in the regular season.
Cam has filled in just fine for MPJ against the Wolves
Apples to apples, Porter averaged 10.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks in seven games against the Timberwolves in the 2023-24 playoffs. Through five games, Cam is averaging 11.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals.
Overall, it’s nearly the same player. Except for those aggressive takes to the rim in Game 5. That was different. And Cam has been more consistent than MPJ was. MPJ had games of 21 and 20, and also 4, 6, and 7 points. Cam’s totals through five games are 12, 13, 6, 9, 18. Here’s to hoping for another 18 or more game for Game 6.
The trade seems to be tilting to the Nuggets now after Cam’s run to end the season and start the playoffs. The trade triggered the Nuggets to get under the luxury tax and avoid further penalties for being well over the threshold. It may not have looked that way when MPJ started the season on fire, and Cam wasn’t, but a little time and familiarity with the team have gone a long way toward turning the corner for Cam with the Nuggets.
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