Joe Johnson (Part 3)

On July 11, 2012, Joe Johnson was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a multi-player deal involving Jordan Farmar, Anthony Morrow, Jordan Williams, Johan Petro, DeShawn Stevenson, and a 2013 first-round draft pick. Initially, Johnson had a slow start to the 2012–13 season but began to showcase his scoring prowess in December with notable performances, including a 32-point game against the Golden State Warriors and a game-winning buzzer-beater in double overtime against the Detroit Pistons. He continued his clutch performances by hitting game-winning shots against the Washington Wizards and the Milwaukee Bucks, helping the Nets snap a thirteen-game losing streak against the latter.


Throughout the 2013–14 season, Johnson remained a key contributor for the Nets, delivering several memorable moments. He made a game-winning basket against the Phoenix Suns and recorded a career-high 10 three-pointers in a dominant win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Johnson's clutch gene was on display once again when he hit a game-winning shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder after the Nets were down by sixteen points. His stellar performances earned him his seventh All-Star selection.


In the 2014–15 season, Johnson continued to excel, scoring a season-high 34 points in just the second game of the season against the Detroit Pistons. He also reached a significant milestone by becoming the seventh player in NBA history to accumulate 18,000 career points and 1,600 career three-pointers made during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Johnson's durability and consistency were evident as he matched Michael Jordan's record for the 77th spot on the all-time NBA games played list and extended his streak of making at least one field goal to 900 regular-season games. He surpassed Peja Stojaković for 11th place on the career three-pointers list and became the 31st player in NBA history to reach 40,000 minutes played.
However, on February 25, 2016, Johnson was waived by the Nets in a buyout agreement, marking the end of his tenure with the team. Despite his departure, Johnson left behind a legacy of clutch performances and offensive firepower during his time with the Brooklyn Nets.


After signing with the Miami Heat on February 27, 2016, Joe Johnson quickly made an impact. In his debut and first start for the Heat on February 28 against the New York Knicks, he contributed 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists in a 98–81 victory. Just one day later, Johnson showcased his scoring prowess by dropping 24 points against the Chicago Bulls, surpassing Reggie Theus for the 50th spot on the NBA's career scoring list.
Johnson's scoring ability was further highlighted on March 12 when he recorded a season-high 28 points in an overtime loss to the Toronto Raptors. Despite the loss, Johnson's performance demonstrated his value to the Heat as a reliable offensive weapon.
During the 2016 playoffs, Johnson played a significant role in helping the Heat advance to the second round. Although they ultimately fell to the Raptors in a closely contested series, Johnson's contributions were instrumental in pushing the Heat to the brink of victory. Despite the playoff exit, Johnson's tenure with the Miami Heat showcased his ability to make an immediate impact and provide valuable scoring punch in critical moments.


On July 8, 2016, Joe Johnson embarked on a new chapter in his career by signing a two-year, $22 million contract with the Utah Jazz. Initially expected to come off the bench behind Gordon Hayward, Johnson found himself thrust into the starting lineup due to Hayward's preseason injury.
In his debut for the Jazz on October 25, 2016, Johnson made an immediate impact, scoring a team-high 29 points in a 113–104 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite starting, Johnson seamlessly transitioned back to the bench once Hayward returned to the lineup on November 6, marking his first time coming off the bench since December 9, 2003.


Throughout the 2016–17 season, Johnson showcased his scoring prowess and clutch performances. On February 8, 2017, he erupted for 27 points, including six three-pointers, in a dominant 127–94 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. In the playoffs, Johnson's heroics continued as he hit a game-winning floater at the buzzer to secure a thrilling 97–95 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of their first-round series. He followed this up with a stellar 28-point performance off the bench in Game 4, leading the Jazz to a crucial 105–98 win to tie the series at 2–2.
Johnson's contributions were pivotal in helping the Jazz eliminate the Clippers with a 104–91 victory in Game 7, marking the franchise's first postseason series victory since 2010.
Unfortunately, Johnson faced adversity during the 2017–18 season, missing 21 games due to a right wrist injury. On February 8, 2018, he was involved in a three-team trade that saw him being acquired by the Sacramento Kings. However, Johnson was waived by the Kings just three days later before appearing in a game for them.

References

1.  "Lopez scores 31, Nets end Thunder's seven-game win streak". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. January 25, 2016. Archived from the original on January 25, 2016. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
2. ^ "Johnson, Nets have season-best night in beating Kings". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. February 5, 2016. Archived from the original on February 7, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
3. ^ "Johnson hits 3-pointer at buzzer, Nets beat Nuggets 105–104". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. February 8, 2016. Archived from the original on February 10, 2016. Retrieved February 8, 2016.
4. ^ "Grizzlies rout Nets in 1st game since Gasol's broken foot". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. February 10, 2016. Archived from the original on February 14, 2016. Retrieved February 10, 2016.
5. ^ "Brooklyn Nets Waive Joe Johnson". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. February 25, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
6. ^ "HEAT Signs Joe Johnson". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. February 27, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
7. ^ "Wade scores 26, Heat beat Knicks in Joe Johnson's debut". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. February 28, 2016. Archived from the original on February 27, 2016. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
8. ^ "Heat set franchise shooting record, roll past Bulls 129–111". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. March 1, 2016. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
9. ^ "DeRozan scores 38 as Raptors beat Heat 112–104 in OT". NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. March 12, 2016. Archived from the original on April 8, 2016. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
10. ^ "Jazz Sign Free Agent Joe Johnson". NBA.com. July 8, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
11. ^ "Reports: Joe Johnson, Utah agree on 2-year, $22 million deal". ESPN.com. July 2, 2016. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
12. ^ Falk, Aaron (October 11, 2016). "Utah Jazz: Joe Johnson thrust back into starting role with Gordon Hayward injured". SLTrib.com. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
13. ^ "Lillard scores 39, Blazers run home-opening win streak to 16". ESPN.com. October 25, 2016. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
14. ^ "Hayward scores 28 in season debut, leads Jazz over Knicks". ESPN.com. November 6, 2016. Retrieved November 6, 2016.
15. ^ "Johnson scores 27, Jazz pound Pelicans 127–94". ESPN.com. February 8, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2017.