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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Suns may get Johnson back for third game

Associated Press

Wearing a mask to protect his fractured left eye socket, Phoenix Suns guard Joe Johnson went through a full practice on Thursday and said he expects to play in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against San Antonio.

“As of right now, I don’t think there’s anything that could keep me off the court,” Johnson said of Saturday’s game, “but I don’t want to speak too soon because anything could happen.”

The workout, which included a scrimmage, was his first complete practice since he was injured in a face-first crash to the floor in Game 2 of the conference semifinals against Dallas on May 11. Johnson did some 2-on-2 drills on Wednesday to help him get used to the mask.

He still has to clear a doctor’s evaluation today before getting the official go-ahead, but he said he felt good after the practice.

Before his injury, Johnson had played in every game since being traded to the Suns in his rookie season, a span of 281 contests.

“It was tough. It was my first time,” he said of having to watch the six games in street clothes. “I’m more nervous sitting over there watching than when I’m out there playing because I can’t do anything.”

Johnson’s return would be a welcome lift for a Suns team that goes to San Antonio down 0-2 in the best-of-seven series.

Phoenix would be able to send Jim Jackson to the bench, giving the depth-shy squad a much-needed scorer in reserve.

The 6-foot-7 Johnson, meanwhile, is the Suns’ best perimeter defender and most accurate 3-point shooter. He also gives the team another scorer who can develop his own shot off the dribble when the offense breaks down.

Brown has bladder condition

A unspoken secret seems to envelop the Detroit Pistons, the expectation that Larry Brown won’t be around next season.

Brown has a health problem related to his bladder, a result of complications from hip replacement surgery, and he said his life has not been the same since Nov. 3 when difficulties developed.

Brown will check into a hospital a day or two after the season ends.

He is not comfortable discussing his condition publicly. It is not life-threatening, but it is serious.