Back-to-back games are never easy in the NBA especially for the Miami HEAT who had to play in Denver and in Utah on consecutive nights. Not only are those two places Miami has had trouble playing in historically, but the altitude on short rest can do a number on your body.

But when you have James Johnson then that’s a different story.

Yes I said James Johnson. gasp

The eight year veteran had his best game in a HEAT uniform this season and probably the best game of his career. Coming off the bench he scored 24 points, grabbed six rebounds and had a crazy dunk.

James Johnson was silly tonight https://t.co/5Z4KYvx44B

— Fastbreak Breakfast (@fastbreakbreak) December 2, 2016

In a tanking transition and rebuilding year for the HEAT, he’s been one of my favorite players to watch. Tonight’s performance proved why he’s fun to watch. Whether it was scoring on all parts of the floor and trying to do Kobe things or playing lock down defense, Johnson’s number was called and he freaking brought it.

From start to finish Johnson had to cover Gordon Hayward who is the Jazz’s leading scorer for the season, Hayward finished with 32 points. So let’s just ignore that because it doesn’t fit a narrative and we are trying to have fun! >confetti emoji<

The HEAT were up 111–110 with three seconds left in the game and Johnson made the play that forced a double-clutched Hayward off balance jumper.

Savior James Johnson is averaging 10 points and five rebounds off the bench this season but recently he’s been playing like a Hall Of Famer starter. Johnson was able to take the other JJ (seven time All-Star Joe Johnson) off the dribble and score with an array of post moves, his three point shot was on and he capped it off with a resounding dunk over Jazz center Rudy Gobert.

In a down year like this, these are the wins that make this season exciting to watch.  I’m happy to see a hard working player like James Johnson get a shot to play consistently and show what he has to offer. He’s a blue collar player (word to Eric Reid).

James Johnson my other dad

— Patrick (@FLASHneverLEFT) December 2, 2016

Let’s hope that Johnson can keep this play up as the HEAT head into Portland on Saturday, December 3 to wrap up their road trip.

EDITORS NOTE: This happened so laugh at me. #YouAreWelcome

Hey @miaheatbeat…. Fire @gnavas103 pic.twitter.com/MMNSu7JNYj

— Alex Solana (@A_Sol305) December 2, 2016