Kings’ James Johnson beats buzzer, Knicks
by Adi Joseph, USA TODAY Sports
James Johnson made the shot of his career, right as Mike Breen figured out his name.
The Sacramento Kings forward nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer to beat the New York Knicks 106-105. Well, let’s not sell him short. First he grabbed an offensive rebound. Then he tried a layup to tie it. Then he tipped out his own offensive rebound. Then he made the three-pointer to win it.
But those watching MSG Network, the Knicks’ broadcast station, only heard him get credit for the shot. Mike Breen, a fine broadcaster who does NBA games for ESPN, was on the call for MSG Network. Here’s his call:
(Jason) Kidd lobs it to (Tyson) Chandler. Stolen by Cousins. Here comes (Isaiah) Thomas. Thomas back to Cousins. In to Thomas. Puts it up. Banker won’t go. Cousins tips it out. Seven seconds remaining. Thomas on the drive. Leads it out, right corner to (John) Salmons. Salmons up top. Johnson puts it up. Oh, he puts it in! At the buzzer! At the buzzer! And breaks the Knicks’ hearts here in Sacramento.
Those references to Cousins came from a mix-up with Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, who was on the court at the time. Cousins did get the crucial steal to set up the Kings’ final possession, but he was slow to get back on offense, arriving in time to watch Johnson’s three.
Cousins and Johnson have similar hulking physiques and wore white headbands. But Cousins wears No. 15, while Johnson wears No. 52.
Cousins also is the Kings’ best player and had 15 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals. But he and the Kings did most of their work in the first half, leading by 27 late in the second quarter. The Knicks’ came back to take a 105-101 lead with 2 minutes, 51 seconds remaining that held until Thomas nailed two free throws with 33.2 seconds left. Then New York took back the ball, turned it over and gave up the three-pointer to end it.
It was a rough go for the banged-up Knicks, who played without at least three players expected to start in the preseason: … [For more on Kings' James Johnson, not Cousins, beats buzzer, Knicks, click here.]







