“She’s floating out there”: Kim Mulkey gushes over Flau’jae Johnson’s 24-point show against NW State
Flau’jae Johnson’s junior season at the seventh-ranked LSU is off to a great start as the guard led the Tigers to their second blowout win on Friday. In the 95-36 Northwestern State win, the guard registered 24 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. She attempted 10 of 16 shots from the field, including 2-of-3 from the 3-point range.
In the previous game - the 95-44 season opener win against Eastern Kentucky - Johnson finished with 25 points, five rebounds and two assists on a 10-of-15 shooting. LSU coach Kim Mulkey praised Flau’jae Johnson for her standout performances in the press conference after Friday’s win.
"I said it the last game, she's just playing with confidence," Mulkey said. "It just looks like she's floating out there and everything's just effortless. Her shots are consistent. I think she took two bad shots tonight and she knows it."
"One of the things she did really well tonight was she fed the post early. It was a while before she even took a shot so she's growing. She had seven rebounds tonight and she's just playing really well," she added.
Kim Mulkey comments on Flau’jae Johnson’s new role as the leader
Angel Reese played a crucial role in LSU’s 2023 NCAA championship win and the Elite Eight run last season. With her departure to the WNBA, the Tigers needed a strong leader and Flau’jae Johnson perfectly fit the role.
After the 114-53 win in the exhibition game against Xavier, Kim Mulkey spoke on Johnson’s role as the leader and her partnership with senior guard Aneesah Morrow, which is crucial for LSU.
“[Flau’Jae] was phenomenal and I think what you’re seeing from her is comfort,” Mulkey told reporters during the press conference. “She’s a leader and it’s because she has all the experience and puts in the work.
"She and Morrow were the most comfortable out there tonight. I’m not surprised either one of them had double-doubles.”
Flau’jae Johnson has expressed a strong desire to lead her team to another championship victory. She also understands her importance as the leader, as she said in an interview with PUMA:
"My team feeds off my energy. I just got a high motor. It's about your creativity when it's raw. It's about not doing the same thing twice. Something that benefits everybody together."
With the confidence from the back-to-back wins, Flau’jae Johnson and the LSU Tigers will next play against Charleston Southern on Monday.