Johnson has endured a brutal season per his standards: he’s shooting a career-low 36.3% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 41.9%, and his player efficiency rating (8.9) has dipped below 10 for the first time in his career. But prior to Wednesday, Johnson had strung together back-to-back 20-point performances for the first time since the 2013-14 season.
When asked about resting Johnson, Nets coach Lionel Hollins told reporters: “Joe didn’t practice two days ago or two days before that. I’m trying to rest him when I can. He’s playing a lot of minutes, and it’s been working. Joe’s feeling fresh when he comes to the game — and light minutes in practice for Brook (Lopez), light minutes in practice for Thad (Young). It’s really tough when you’re playing every other day and trying to balance getting work in and getting rest as well.”
Johnson, 34, ranks ninth in the NBA in minutes played. He is the oldest player among the top 10 in minutes played, and ranks 3rd in minutes among players aged 30 years or older, behind Trevor Ariza (30) and Chris Paul (30).
