Indiana Pacers 36-year-old veteran James Johnson might have surprised himself Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
In the fourth quarter of the Pacers’ 150–116 blowout victory over the Atlanta Hawks, Johnson earned some rare minutes—just his fourth appearance since signing with Indiana in December—and made the most of it by throwing down a two-handed slam.
Johnson broke out into a big smile and grabbed his legs, appearing to pretend he was cramping up after rising to the rim.
The Bally Sports Indiana broadcast loved it.
James Johnson after his dunk 😂 pic.twitter.com/nrjD8WzPsz
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 6, 2024
Johnson is the definition of an NBA journeyman. He’s played for 10 different teams over the last 15 seasons, only averaging double-digit points in two seasons. Johnson has played 22 games for the Pacers the past two seasons.
So, yes, the dunks are rare these days.
”Good for him, but good for his kids to see too,” Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton said of the dunk after the win.
The Pacers played in their fifth game this season where either they or their opponent scores at least 150 points. There has been just one other such game in the NBA this year—an overtime contest between the Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons.
