Cameron Johnson suffers knee injury in Nuggets’ narrow loss to Mavericks
Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson is expected to miss time after suffering a bone bruise in his right knee during a narrow 131–130 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks, according to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania. While early tests indicate he avoided a major injury, the setback is still a concerning development for a Nuggets team that has relied heavily on his consistency this season.
The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter of a high-scoring, back-and-forth contest. With less than 10 minutes remaining, Johnson went up to contest a rebound following a missed runner in the paint. As he landed, he immediately grimaced and clutched his right knee, dropping to the floor in visible pain. Nuggets medical staff quickly attended to him, and after a brief stoppage in play, Johnson was able to limp off the court under his own power.
Denver later listed Johnson as “questionable” to return due to a right knee sprain, but he did not re-enter the game. Subsequent imaging revealed a bone bruise, with no structural damage or major ligament injury detected—welcome news given Johnson’s medical history. Still, the Nuggets are expected to proceed cautiously, and Johnson is likely to miss at least some time as he recovers.
Ryan Nembhard puts the Mavericks up 109-108 on the Nuggets with a mid-range jumper. He has 11 points and 7 assists. pic.twitter.com/qw5PNIsKST
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) December 24, 2025
The injury inevitably brings back memories of Johnson’s past knee issues. Early in the 2022–23 season, while playing for the Phoenix Suns, he tore the meniscus in the same right knee. That injury sidelined him for a significant stretch and was one of the challenges he overcame before continuing his NBA journey. Johnson spent the first three-plus seasons of his career in Phoenix from 2019 to 2023, before being traded as part of a blockbuster, four-team deal that ultimately sent Kevin Durant to the Suns. Johnson and teammate Mikal Bridges landed with the Brooklyn Nets in that transaction.
During his time in Brooklyn, Johnson re-established his value as a dependable two-way wing and was rewarded with a four-year, $108 million contract extension. This past offseason, he was on the move again, arriving in Denver in a trade that sent Michael Porter Jr. elsewhere. The Nuggets saw Johnson as an ideal fit—an experienced, low-maintenance player capable of spacing the floor and defending multiple positions.
Cameron Johnson expected to miss time after MRI reveals bone bruise in right knee
So far, that assessment has proven accurate. In his first season with Denver, Johnson has started all 28 games he’s played for a Nuggets team that entered the contest with a 21–8 record. Known for his “3-and-D” skill set, the seventh-year pro has averaged 11.7 points per game while shooting 46.1% from the field and an impressive 42.9% from beyond the arc. Over his career, he’s a 39.4% three-point shooter, making him a valuable floor-spacer in Denver’s offense.
The timing of the injury is unfortunate, especially given how seamlessly Johnson has integrated into the Nuggets’ rotation. His ability to knock down open shots, defend wings, and play within the flow of the offense has allowed Denver to maintain balance on both ends of the floor.
Fortunately for the Nuggets, early reports suggest that this injury is not as serious as Johnson’s previous knee setback. A bone bruise, while painful, typically does not carry the long-term implications of ligament or meniscus damage. That said, knee injuries are rarely taken lightly, particularly when they involve a joint with prior issues.
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Denver’s medical staff will likely take a conservative approach, prioritizing Johnson’s long-term health over a rushed return. With a deep roster and postseason ambitions, the Nuggets can afford to be patient.
For now, Johnson’s status remains week-to-week, and further updates are expected as his recovery progresses. While the injury represents a frustrating interruption, both Johnson and the Nuggets can take some relief in knowing that the worst-case scenario appears to have been avoided.
