American · Brooklyn, New York · Born 1 May 1956American professional basketball player known as 'The Microwave' for his ability to heat up quickly off the bench and score in clutches for Detroit Pistons
Vincent Eugene Johnson was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1956 and attended Baylor University. Seattle SuperSonics selected him seventh overall in the 1979 NBA Draft. His 13-season career produced 12.0 points per game and two NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons (1989, 1990). His nickname the Microwave was coined by Pistons teammate Danny Ainge because he could heat up instantly off the bench — in seconds rather than the time it takes other players to find his rhythm. He contributed 8.1 points per game in less than 25 minutes as a sixth man during the championship years. His most celebrated moment came in Game 5 of the 1990 NBA Finals against Portland — with 0.7 seconds remaining, he caught the inbound pass and hit a midrange jumper to win the championship. The shot remains one of the most celebrated walk-off championship moments in Finals history. He was a beloved figure at Detroit throughout his career and remained connected to the city through his automotive supply company, Piston Automotive, which became one of the most successful minority-owned businesses in Michigan.
The Microwave - instant offense off the bench
How They Played
Explosive scorer, clutch shooter, instant offense
Lasting Impact
Key sixth man for Bad Boys Pistons championships
Career Honours
- NBA Champion 2x (1989, 1990)
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle SuperSonics | 1979–1981 | 164 |
| Detroit Pistons | 1981–1991 | 720 |
American Athletes