Johnson out to deliver goods again in decider
ROB GREENWOOD IT takes a lot to get Daniel Johnson worked up.
So when Adelaide 36ers’ red-hot big man describes the excitement of his match-sealing three-pointer in game four of the NBL grand final, it is worth listening.
“It was amazing,” said Johnson of the triple he landed with 55 seconds left to sink Melbourne United at Adelaide Arena last Sunday.
“All the boys say it’s the loudest the gym has been here.
“We might not have the most people in the league (at home games), but the atmosphere is just amazing in here.”
Delivering the goods has become Johnson’s signature in the Sixers’ barnstorming march to today’s championship decider.
The 212cm power forward leads Adelaide in points (16) and rebounds (6.9) per game, having played a team-high 32 of 34 matches this season.
Johnson has also stepped up during the best-of-five grand final, averaging 18.5 points and six boards to push the club to within one win of ending its 16year title drought.
“I’m just trying to be a leader out there,” the 29-year-old said. “I’m trying to take the pressure off some of the guys who haven’t been there before.
“But a lot of our guys have really stepped up with Chill (Josh Childress) going out.
“We’re a deep group, but we’re not just saying that now, we’re actually showing that.”
The three-time All-NBL First Teamer’s consistently high performances, despite regularly being overlooked for Boomers duty, have taken him to the NBL grand final twice previously.
Johnson was back-up to veteran Chris Anstey as a youngster in Melbourne Tigers’ 3-2 series defeat to South Dragons in 2009.
Five years later, the man widely known as DJ led the Sixers in scoring and rebounds as Joey Wright steered Adel- aide to the decider in his first campaign as coach.
Johnson said the pain of series defeat after again going the distance against bitter rivals Perth Wildcats had provided extra motivation over the past fortnight.
“I’ve been playing (in the NBL) for 10 years now and this is my third grand final,” said Johnson, ahead of game five at Hisense Arena. “Obviously you want to win but knowing that we have what it takes to get there definitely helps.”