Denver Nuggets forward Cam Johnson is expected to miss time after suffering a bone bruise in his right knee during the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s 131-130 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Fortunately, Johnson avoided more serious injury, with his MRI revealing no major or structural damage.
The injury happened with under 10 minutes left in the tightly contested game. Cooper Flagg, who scored 33 points on 14-of-21 shooting, attacked the basket but missed his shot. Flagg went for the offensive rebound alongside Johnson, but neither secured the ball as it bounced toward Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy. Johnson landed painfully, clutching his right knee in visible distress.
After a mid-range jumper by Ryan Nembhard off a Hardy assist, the Nuggets called a timeout. Johnson received treatment from the team’s medical staff and was able to limp off the court. Although listed as “questionable” with a sprained right knee, he did not return to play.
Earlier in his career, Johnson tore the meniscus in the same knee during the 2022-23 season while with the Phoenix Suns, where he spent his first three-plus years. This new injury appears less severe.
Known for his 3-and-D capabilities, Johnson averaged 11.7 points per game on 46.1% shooting, including 42.9% from three-point range, in his debut season with the Nuggets. Denver acquired him this summer in a trade that sent Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets.
Johnson previously joined the Nets via trade as part of a four-team deal that brought Kevin Durant to Phoenix. During the 2022-23 season, Johnson and Suns teammate Mikal Bridges were sent to Brooklyn. Johnson later signed a four-year, $108 million contract to stay with the Nets.
A career 39.4% 3-point shooter, Johnson has started all 28 games this season for the 21-8 Nuggets.
Fan Take: This news is significant for basketball fans because Johnson’s health is crucial to maintaining the Nuggets’ strong playoff contention. His injury history adds some concern, but his resilience and skill set make him a key player to watch as the season progresses.
