By R.L. Bynum
Although a milestone by teammate Kevin Durant overshadowed Nassir Little’s effort, the fifth-year former UNC forward had his best game of the season against his former team.
The Portland Trail Blazers dealt Little after four seasons with them, and he showed them what they gave up on Tuesday night. In 22 minutes, Little scored 13 points and pulled down five rebounds, all three numbers season-highs, as the host Phoenix Suns knocked off the Blazers 120–107 in an In-Season Tournament game.
“You can tell he put into work, and he’s a good player,” Phoenix coach Frank Vogel said of Little. “There are a lot of guys on that bench that I trust. He’s playing solid two-way basketball — getting shots, getting plays off the bounce offensively — and he brings a lot of toughness on rebounding and defense.
Little was part of a three-team deal on Sept. 27 that sent him, former Duke star Grayson Allen, Jusuf Nurkić, and Keon Johnson to Phoenix, Damian Lillard to Milwaukee, and Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara and Deandre Ayton to Portland.
It’s been challenging for Little, who didn’t play in five of six games during a stretch from Nov. 2 to Nov. 12. After not scoring more than six points in his first seven games, Little has double-figure points in consecutive games after scoring 10 points in Sunday’s win at Utah. He scored seven points, including a 3-pointer, in the third quarter Tuesday.
With 31 points, Durant — in his 1,000th NBA game — passed Elvin Hayes for 11th on the league’s all-time scoring list.
The Suns moved to 2–1 in tournament pool play, 1½ games back of the Los Angeles Lakers in West Group A.
Cole Anthony scored 15 points and dished out a season-high 10 assists in Orlando’s 126–107 Tuesday home In-Season Tournament victory over Toronto. It was Anthony’s first double-figure assist total since his career-high 11 assists in four games during the 2021–22 season, his second season in the league.
Subscribe to read Tar Heel Tribune ad-free
Subscribe for a cleaner, smoother reading experience without the flashing banners, slow-loading elements, or those especially annoying pop‑up ads that interrupt the flow of the story. You’ll also get the first version of each story emailed to you. The only ads you’ll see are static, non-intrusive ads for UNC‑related books, and there are none currently on the site.
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley has preached defense for his team. It made a difference down the stretch against the Raptors, and Anthony did his part.
“We strap up, simple as that. We all take pride,” Anthony said. “Jalen [Suggs] and [Joe Ingles], who I like to call the heads of the states on the defensive end — those are two dudes who have all-defensive team potential. I just know, for me, when I’m on the bench, I’m watching how hard Jalen plays on the defensive end; it makes me want to go out there and guard. I think the energy is contagious. Moseley instilled into us that we can be the best defensive team in the league, and I think we’ve been showing that so far.”
Orlando is 2–1 in East Group C, tied with Brooklyn for second place, a half-game behind the Boston Celtics.
Harrison Barnes, San Antonio Spurs forward
Age 34 | 6–7, 225 | 15th season | $8 million salary | UNC 2010–12 (2 seasons)
Roster situation — Backup small forward
Final statistics last season — 77 games, 9.9 points, 45.6 FG%, 38.8 3P%, 82.9 FT%, 2.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists
Preseason statistics — 5 games, 18.0 minutes, 8.4 points, 34.6 FG%, 36.4 3P%, 88.9 FT%, 1.4 rebounds, 0.8 of an assist, 0.8 of a steal
Season statistics — 4 games, 1.5 points, 33.3 FG%, 20.0 3P%
Saturday — Spurs 121, Timberwolves 111 (home) | didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Next game — 8:30 Monday vs. Utah
Tony Bradley, Utah Jazz center
Age 28 | 6–10, 248 | 9th NBA season | $2.44 million salary | UNC 2016–17 (1 season)
Roster situation — Fifth-string center
Final statistics last season (Indiana, Atlanta) — 41 games, 4.0 points, 54.7 FG%, 50.0 3P%, 74.4 FT%, 2.8 rebounds
Preseason statistics (New York) — 3 games, 7.5 minutes, 5.3 points, 80.0 FG%, 0–1 FT, 1.7 rebounds
Season statistics — 1 game, 2 points, 1–2 FG, 1 rebound, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls
Saturday — Blazers 112, Jazz 90 (home) | didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Next game — 8:30 Monday at San Antonio
Cameron Johnson, Denver Nuggets forward
Age 30 | 6–8, 210 | 8th season | $22.5 million salary | UNC 2017–19 (2 seasons)
Roster situation — Starting small forward ahead of DeMar DeRozan
Final statistics last season — 54 games, 12.2 points, 48.0 FG%, 43.0 3P%, 83.9 FT%, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists
Team record last season: 54–28, 3rd in Western Conference
Preseason statistics — 5 games, 18.3 minutes, 10.0 points, 55.9 FG%, 50.0 3P%, 50.0 FT%, 2.2 rebounds, 0.8 of an assist
Season statistics — 2 games, 8.5 points, 43.8 FG%, 33.3 3P%, 0–2 FT, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Friday — Nuggets 127, Suns 120 (road NBA Cup game) | started: 33:44, 12 points, 5–13 FG, 2–8 3FG, 0–2 FT, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 3 fouls, +12, 7.9 game score
Next game — 9 p.m. Monday vs. Portland
Walker Kessler, Los Angeles Lakers center
Age 25 | 7–2, 245 | 5th season | $30.11 million salary | UNC 2020–21 (1 season)
Roster situation — Starting center ahead of Kevon Looney
Final statistics last season (Utah) — 5 games, 14.4 points, 70.3 FG%, 75.0 3P%, 70.0 FT%, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 blocks
Preseason statistics — 2 games, 23.4 minutes, 8.5 points, 42.9 FG%, 0–1 3FG, 83.3 FT%, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.5 blocks
Season statistics — 6 games, 14.0 points, 72.5 FG%, 47.6 FT%, 9.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.0 steal, 2.8 blocks
Friday — Warriors 112, Lakers 95 (road NBA Cup game) | started: 30:52, 10 points, 4–7 FG, 2–3 FT, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 blocks, 1 turnover, +3, 16.1 game score
Next game — 9 p.m. Sunday vs. Toronto
Drake Powell, Brooklyn Nets forward
Age 21 | 6–5, 195 | 2nd season | $3.54 million salary | UNC 2024–25 (1 season)
Final regular-season NBA statistics — 63 games, 6.5 points, 40.2 FG%, 28.0 3FG%, 89.6 FT%, 1.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists
Final regular-season G League statistics — 5 games, 11.8 points, 44.2 FG%, 36.4 3FG%, 72.7 FT%, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.6 steals
Preseason statistics — 4 games, 10.8 minutes, 4.0 points, 46.2 FG%, 40.0 3P%, 2–2 FT, 1.0 rebound
Season NBA statistics — 2 game, 0 points, 0–2 FT, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 fouls,
Friday — Pistons 110, Nets 94 (home NBA Cup game) | 5:56, 0 points, 2 assists, +6
Next game — 5 p.m. Sunday at Indiana
Day’Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets center
Age 24 | 6–10, 265 | 6th season | $10 million salary | UNC 2020–21 (1 season)
Roster situation — Starting center ahead of Moritz Wagner
Final statistics last season — 62 games, 8.7 points, 60.1 FG%, 23.1 3FG%, 67.8 FT%, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 steals
Preseason statistics — 3 games, 18.8 minutes, 7.7 points, 55.6 FG%, 33.3 3P%, 25.0 FT%, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 1.3 blocks
Season statistics — 5 games, 6.6 points, 48.1 FG%, 2–6 3P, 6.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 blocks
Friday — Pistons 110, Nets 94 (home NBA Cup game) | started: 23:33, 3 points, 1–4 FG, 0–2 3FG, 1–2 FT, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 2 turnovers, -3, 4.6 game score
Next game — 5 p.m. Sunday at Indiana
Coby White, Charlotte Hornets guard
Age 26 | 6–4, 210 | 8th season | $26.81 million salary | UNC 2018–19 (1 season)
Roster situation — Starting point guard ahead of Dennis Schroder
Statistics last season (Bulls, Hornets) — 50 games, 17.4 points, 44.6 FG%, 36.2 3P%, 81.7 FT%, 3.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists
Friday — Wizards 95, Hornets 79 (road NBA Cup game) | inactive: left calf strain
Saturday — Sixers 109, Hornets 104 (home) | inactive: left calf strain
Next game — 7:30 Monday vs. Detroit
Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls forward
Age 20 | 6–10, 215 | Rookie season | $10.68 million salary | UNC 2025–26 (1 season)
Roster situation — Starting power forward ahead of Patrick Williams
Statistics last season (UNC) — 24 games, 19.8 points, 57.8 FG%, 25.9 3P%, 71.3 FT%, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.4 blocks
Preseason statistics — 5 games, 26.5 minutes, 15.8 points, 44.1 FG%, 31.0 3P%, 55.6 FT%, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.6 of a steal
Season statistics — 6 games, 21.2 points, 41.7 FG%, 29.8 3P%, 69.7 FT%, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.5 blocks
Friday — Celtics 125, Bulls 111 (road) | started: 31:17, 23 points, 7–16 FG, 6–11 3FG, 3–6 FT, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 1 turnover, 5 fouls, -3, 17.5 game score
Next game — 7:30 Monday at Philadelphia
Likely out for season
Atlanta Hawks center Henri Veesaar (tore right ACL on Sept. 15)
In G League training camp
Leaky Black, Stockton Kings guard
Age 27 | 6–6, 209 | 4th pro season | $678,882 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2018–23 (5 seasons)
Final G League statistics last season (Capital City) — 38 games, 10.3 points, 45.6 FG%, 36.5 3P%, 66.7 FT%, 7.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.9 steals
Final NBA statistics last season (Wizards) — 15 games, 7.1 points, 38.8 FG%, 34.5 3FG%, 87.5 FT%, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals
Preseason NBA statistics — 3 games, 19.9 minutes, 7.7 points, 53.8 FG%, 62.5 3P%, 4–4 FT, 3.7 rebounds, 0.7 of an assist, 1.3 steals
Season NBA statistics — 2 games, 8 minutes, 2 points, 1–3 FG, 0–2 3FG, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 foul
Tuesday in NBA — Spurs 130, Kings 103 (road) | didn’t start: 8:10, 2 points, 1–3 FG, 0–2 3FG, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 foul, -1
Season opener — 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, vs. Santa Cruz Warriors
RJ Davis, Austin Spurs guard
Age 25 | 6–0, 182 | 2nd pro season | $678,882 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2020–25 (5 seasons)
G League statistics last season (South Bay Lakers) — 49 games, 18.4 points, 46.8 FG%, 42.4 3P%, 86.4 FT%, 3.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists
Preseason NBA statistics — 3 games, 8.8 minutes, 7 points, 27.3 FG%, 1–4 3FG, 0–2 FT, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block
Season opener — 8:30 Friday, Nov. 6, at Rio Grande Valley Vipers
Harrison Ingram, Salt Lake City Stars forward
Age 23 | 6–6, 230 | 3rd pro season | $678,882 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2023–24 (1 season)
G League statistics last season (Austin) — 40 games, 16.6 points, 49.2 FG%, 34.0 3P%, 62.6 FT%, 12.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists
NBA statistics last season (Spurs) — 7 games, 1.6 points, 83.3 FG%, 1–1 3P
Preseason NBA statistics — 4 games, 7.9 minutes, 19 points, 53.3 FG%, 1–3 3FG, 2–2 FT, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block
Season opener — 10 p.m. Friday at Coachella Valley Lakers
Caleb Love, Delaware Blue Coats guard
Age 25 | 6–3, 212 | 2nd pro season | $678,882 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2020–23 (3 seasons)
NBA season statistics last season — 49 games (limited to 50 under his two-way contract), 10.4 points, 38.8 FG%, 31.8 3P%, 73.5 FT%, 2.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists
G League statistics last season — 10 games, 24.7 points, 43.3 FG%, 23.5 3P%, 75.8 FT%, 4.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 3.6 turnovers
Preseason NBA statistics — 4 games, 14.5 minutes, 5.5 points, 25.9 FG%, 20.0 3P%, 55.6 FT%, 1.0 rebound, 3.0 assists, 0.5 of a block
Season NBA statistics — 1 game, 30 seconds, no statistics
Season opener — 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, vs. Capital City Go-Go
Pete Nance, Wisconsin Herd center
Age 26 | 6–9, 225 | 3rd season | $678,882 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2022–23 (1 season)
G League statistics last season — 12 games, 19.0 points, 53.7 FG%, 40.3 3P%, 78.9 FT%, 8.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.1 blocks
NBA statistics last season — 47 games, 5.4 points, 51.5 FG%, 42.0 3P%, 36.4 FT%, 2.7 rebounds, 1.0 assist
Preseason NBA statistics — 4 games, 13.0 minutes, 4.0 points, 35.7 FG%, 30.0 3P%, 75.0 FT%, 3.2 rebounds
Season opener — 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Iowa Wolves
Tyler Nickel, Westchester Knicks forward
Age 23 | 6–7, 220 | rookie season | $678,882 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2022–23 (1 season)
Statistics last season (Vanderbilt) — 36 games, 36 starts, 13.5 points, 44.5 FG%, 40.0 3P%, 84.7 FT%, 3.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 of a steal
Preseason NBA statistics — 4 games, 21.1 minutes, 16 points, 4–18 FG, 2–14 3FG, 6–7 FT, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 1 block
Season opener — 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Maine Celtics
Cormac Ryan, Wisconsin Herd guard
Age 28 | 6–5, 195 | 2nd season | $680,984 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2023–24 (1 season)
G League statistics last season — 31 games, 20.9 points, 48.8 FG%, 42.2 3P%, 89.0 FT%, 4.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals
NBA statistics last season — 11 games, 14.3 points, 52.0 FG%, 45.8 3P%, 92.3 FT%, 2.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 steal
Preseason NBA statistics — 3 games, 15.9 minutes, 6.7 points, 46.2 FG%, 40.0 3P%, 57.1 FT%, 3.7 rebounds, 0.7 of a steal
Season opener — 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Iowa Wolves
