Wizards coach Brian Keefe praises one unique skill set of Tre Johnson

Rookie Tre Johnson set a new season high in scoring on Monday, leading the Washington Wizards in a loss on the second night of a back-to-back set at home.

Johnson produced 24 points, two assists, one rebound and one steal in the 115-101 loss to the Phoenix Suns at Capital One Arena. He went 9-of-12 from the field, including a perfect 5-of-5 from 3-point range, in 25 minutes of action.

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The sixth pick is now one of 16 first-year players to score at least 20 points in a game this season. He tallied 18 points in the first half, converting seven out of his first eight attempts from the field to help the Wizards stay within reach.

"I just took what was given, to be honest," Johnson said. "CJ (McCollum) said during back-to-backs, you got to have elite focus. When I woke up this morning, that was all I was really thinking about was today's game. I feel like that kind of helped me out getting into the rhythm."

Johnson is averaging 12.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists on 40.5% shooting from 3-point range with the Wizards. He ranks seventh in rookie scoring and has the most 3-pointers through the first 24 games of a career in franchise history (49).

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The 19-year-old has played a key role for Keefe and looks to be settling in after missing time with a left hip flexor injury. He has showcased his dynamic scoring ability on offense, scoring at least 12 points in a season-high six consecutive games.

Johnson is emerging as a consistent offensive threat for the Wizards, behind his array of moves, off-ball cutting and ability to shoot from deep. The group has been impressed with him and is eager to see his continued development this season.

"It is his ability to do the work before the ball even gets there," Wizards coach Brian Keefe said. "That is the amazing part. You don't just shoot it quickly. He gets his feet set quick. He knows how to move without it and get his balance from long distance. Those are really hard things to do, and this is a guy who has put in a tremendous amount of time working on that stuff. That is a very unique skill he has for someone his age, and it is very impressive."

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Wizards news: Brian Keefe praises one unique skill set of Tre Johnson