Larry Johnson

Biography

Johnson averaged a disappointing 12.8 points, a career-low, in his first season with the Knicks, but ranked 18th in the NBA in field goal percentage at .512. He also averaged 5.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists, also career-lows, although his play improved as the season wore on. He played and started 76 games, missing five games due to a pulled left hamstring and one due to a suspension for throwing a punch at Miami's Keith Askins on Dec. 6. He posted four double-doubles in 1996-97, including three in the season's last 12 games. He scored a season-high 28 points in a 101-97 loss to Philadelphia on Nov. 12 and grabbed a season-high 17 rebounds, including nine off the offensive boards, in a 93-84 loss to Orlando on April 4. He also scored 25 points in that game against Orlando. Johnson averaged 13.8 points and 4.0 rebounds in nine playoff starts for the Knicks, shooting a team-high .558 from the field. He scored 20 points in the opener of the First Round playoff series against Charlotte and had 22 points in Game 3 to close out a sweep of his former team.