Doc Rivers praises former Laker Wesley Johnson

Wesley Johnson appears to be fitting in well with the Clippers so far.

In Monday’s 102-96 win over the Phoenix Suns, he had nine points on four-for-five shooting and three rebounds in 14 minutes. He also had a team-best plus-15 net rating.

Johnson helped turn things around for the Clippers when they were trailing by eight points in the second quarter, their biggest deficit of the game. He scored five consecutive points, helping spark a 15-0 run for the Clippers.

“The last three games, Wesley Johnson’s been just fantastic,” Clippers Coach Doc Rivers said. “He’s getting it; he’s getting our way, you know what I mean. I’m just happy for him because he’s put in a lot of time.”

Sure, it’s a small sample size, but in the team’s four games this season, Johnson has averaged a career-low in points (4.5), but a career-high in field goal percentage (50%). He’s more efficient than ever, and appears to be understanding his role.

Johnson said that he recently poured over film to try to figure out how to best help his team, which is oversaturated with great scorers in Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, J.J. Redick and reserve Jamal Crawford.

“They’re constantly talking to me, day in and day out, as far as what they expect,” Johnson said. “When I go out there, I just try and bring the energy, and it’s really a team.”