Tar Heels in NBA: White, Johnson score 23; Barnes hits 22; Anthony has 20 in streaking Magic’s upset of Denver

By R.L. Bynum

As the Jordan year — ’23 — winds down, Coby White and Cameron Johnson scored 23 points in Wednesday night losses. Harrison Barnes netted 22 points in a defeat, but Cole Anthony’s team had the best night as he scored 20 points.

It was the best collective night of the season by former Carolina players.

Anthony’s big night in only 29 minutes helped host Orlando knock off reigning NBA champion Denver 124–119 for the Magic’s fifth consecutive victory. All five rebounds, including three big offensive rebounds, came in the second half.

Anthony was 6 of 11 from the floor and 7 of 8 from the free throw line and put up a 15.8 game score. He has scored in double figures in 13 of 15 games while averaging only about 25½ minutes.

Orlando scored 42 fourth-quarter points and is 10–5 in a four-way tie for second in the Eastern Conference.


White’s 23 points were a season-high, as were his seven 3-pointers (on 12 attempts). Five of those 3s came in the second quarter, but Chicago still trailed 50–39 at halftime and lost 116–102 at Oklahoma City, which has won six in a row.

That was the most 3-pointers for White, who had five assists, since notching a career-high eight 3-pointers on Feb. 10, 2021, against New Orleans in a 30-point game. The 23 points were his most since scoring 24 last season on April 7 at Dallas.

Chicago (5–11) is 13th in the Eastern Conference and has lost two in a row.


Johnson’s 23 points in Brooklyn’s wild 147–145 overtime loss at Atlanta were a season-high, as were his 22.5 game score and five 3-pointers. He was 8 of 13 from the floor and 5 of 8 from outside the arc with five assists.

Johnson gave the Nets the lead on a tip-in with 3.3 seconds left in regulation before a Trae Young free throw sent the game into overtime.

Day’Ron Sharpe had six points, seven rebounds, two steals and a block in 14 minutes off the bench for the Nets.


Barnes scored 22 points on 6 of 13 shooting, including going 4 of 9 from 3-point range and making all six free-throw attempts in Sacramento’s 117–112 loss at New Orleans.


Nassir Little collected 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in Phoenix’s 123–115 home win over Golden State. In the last three games, he’s averaged 11 points and 4.3 rebounds.



The Tar Heel Tribune Facebook group moved to a new location. Follow the page at this link so that you don’t miss any UNC sports coverage.


Reggie Bullock played four scoreless minutes, missing his only shot, in Houston’s 111–91 home win over Memphis. He’s played in consecutive games for the first time since early November but hasn’t played more than eight minutes since Nov. 8.


Leaky Black didn’t play in the Greensboro Swarm’s 105–102 Wednesday G League loss to Maine because of a right wrist injury.

Cole Anthony, Milwaukee Bucks guard
Age 25 | 6–2, 185 | 6th season | $2.67 million salary | UNC 2019–20 (1 season)

Roster situation — Third-string point guard behind Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins
Season statistics 34 games, 6.8 points, 43.2 FG%, 30.6 3P%, 61.5 FT%, 2.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists
Team record: 18–29, 12th in Eastern Conference
Tuesday: 139–122 loss at Philadelphia 14:13, 10 points, 3–8 FG, 1–2 3FG, 3–4 FT, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, -17
Thursday: 109–99 loss at Washington 14:51, 2 points, 1–7 FG, 0–3 3FG, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 fouls, -16
Sunday: 107–79 loss at Boston 17:36, 5 points, 2–11 FG, 1–6 3FG, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 3 fouls, -9
Next game 8 p.m. Tuesday vs. Chicago


Harrison Barnes, San Antonio Spurs forward
Age 33 | 6–7, 225 | 14th season | $19 million salary | UNC 2010–12 (2 seasons)

Roster situation Starting power forward ahead of Keldon Johnson
Season statistics 49 games, 10.5 points, 43.7 FG%, 36.5 3P%, 85.9 FT%, 2.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists
Team record: 33–16, 2nd in Western Conference
Wednesday: 111–99 win at Houston —Started; 28:46, 9 points, 4–6 FG, 1–2 3FG, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 foul, +1
Saturday: 111–106 loss at Charlotte —Didn’t start; 24:48, 11 points, 3–6 FG, 3–5 3FG, 2–2 FT, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, 2 fouls, +4
Sunday: 111–106 loss at Charlotte —Started; 7 points, 2–5 FG, 1–3 3FG, 2–4 FT, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 1 foul, +10
Next game 9:30 Wednesday vs. Oklahoma City, ESPN


Roster situation — Third-string center behind Jay Huff and Isaiah Jackson
Season statistics — 38 games, 4.0 points, 55.7 FG%, 0–1 3FG, 74.4 FT%, 2.8 rebounds
Team record: 13–36, 14th in Eastern Conference
Wednesday: 113–110 win vs. Chicago — Didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Last 10-day contract expires; could return to Pacers after trade deadline


Cameron Johnson, Denver Nuggets forward
Age 29 | 6–8, 210 | 7th season | $22.54 million salary | UNC 2017–19 (2 seasons)

Roster situation Starting small forward ahead of Tim Hardaway Jr.
Season statistics 28 games, 11.7 points, 46.1 FG%, 42.9 3P%, 81.0 FT%, 3.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists
Team record: 33–17, 3rd in Western Conference
Out for at least a month with a bone bruise and hyperextended right knee


Roster situation Backup point guard behind Deni Avdija/fourth-string 2 guard
Season statistics — 42 games, 11.4 points, 39.8 FG%, 32.3 3P%, 73.5 FT%, 2.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists
Team record: 23–27, 10th in Western Conference
Monday: 102–94 loss at Boston Didn’t start; 25:45, 11 points, 5–14 FG, 1–7 3FG, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 turnovers, -1
Friday: 127–97 loss at New York Didn’t start; 27:14, 12 points, 5–15 FG, 2–10 3FG, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, -11
Sunday: 130–111 loss vs. Cleveland Didn’t start; 26:39, 21 points, 8–15 FG, 3–8 3FG, 2–2FT, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, -5
Next game 11 p.m. Tuesday vs. Phoenix, Peacock


Season G League statistics — 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
Season NBA statistics — 17 games, 3.7 points, 55.3 FG%, 45.8 3P%, 1.2 rebounds, 0.4 of an assist
Team record: 18–29, 12th in Eastern Conference
Tuesday: 139–122 loss at Philadelphia 2:23, 2 points, 1–2 FG, -3
Thursday: 109–99 loss at Washington 20:08, 13 points, 6–10 FG, 1–3 3FG, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 fouls, -1
Sunday: 107–79 loss at Boston 18:08, 7 points, 3–6 FG, 1–3 3FG, 4 rebounds, 1 turnover, 4, fouls, -16
Next game 8 p.m. Tuesday vs. Chicago


Roster situation Starting shooting guard
Season statistics 37 games, 6.2 points, 44.2 FG%, 30.8 3FG%, 91.3 FT%, 1.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists
Team record: 13–35, 13th in Eastern Conference
Tuesday: 106–102 loss at Phoenix Started; 8:28, 1 turnover, -9
Thursday: 107–103 loss at Denver Didn’t start; 19:59, 7 points, 2–5 FG, 1–3 3FG, 2–2 FT, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 2 fouls, -11
Friday: 109–99 win at Utah Didn’t start; 16:01, 2 points, 1–1 FG, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 fouls, +14
Sunday: 130–77 loss at Detroit Didn’t start; 32:09, 12 points, 3–7 FG, 1–3 3FG, 5–5 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 foul, -30
Next game 7:30 Tuesday vs. Los Angeles Lakers


Day’Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets center
Age 24 | 6–9, 265 | 5th season | $6.25 million salary | UNC 2020–21 (1 season)

Roster situation Backup center behind Nic Claxton
Season statistics 46 games, 8.0 points, 60.3 FG%, 22.6 3P%, 67.7 FT%, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists
Team record: 13–35, 13th in Eastern Conference
Tuesday: 106–102 loss at Phoenix Didn’t start; 19:19, 7 points, 3–5 FG, 1–2 FT, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 foul, +5
Thursday: 107–103 loss at Denver Didn’t start; 16:59, 7 points, 3–5 FG, 1–2 FT, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 3 fouls, -12
Friday: 109–99 win at Utah Didn’t start; 17:49, 16 points, 4–5 FG, 1–1 3FG, 7–9 FT, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, +12
Sunday: 130–77 loss at Detroit Didn’t start; 22:12, 8 points, 2–5 FG, 4–6 FT, 11 rebounds, 5 turnovers, 1 foul, -12
Next game 7:30 Tuesday vs. Los Angeles Lakers


Coby White, Chicago Bulls forward
Age 25 | 6–4, 195 | 7th season | $12.88 million salary | UNC 2018–19 (1 season)

Roster situation Starting shooting guard ahead of Ayo Dosunmu
Season statistics — 28 games, 18.5 points, 43.9 FG%, 35.0 3PFG, 81.0 FT%, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists
Team record: 24–26, 9th in Eastern Conference
Wednesday: 113–110 loss at Indiana Started; 31:34, 14 points, 5–15 FG, 1–5 3FG, 3–4 FT, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 fouls, -9
Thursday: 116–113 loss vs. Miami Started; 31:34, 14 points, 2–11 FG, 2–8 3FG, 8–10 FT, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 5 fouls, +5
Saturday: 125–118 win at Miami Didn’t play (injury management; right calf)
Sunday: 134–91 loss at Miami Started; 29:30, 16 points, 4–13 FG, 0–6 3FG, 8–8 FT, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 turnovers, 2 fouls, team-low -42
Next game 8 p.m. Tuesday at Milwaukee


Out for season

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (torn labrum in left shoulder); season statistics: 5 games, 14.4 points, 70.3 FG%, 75.0 3P%, 70.0 FT%, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.8 blocks


Season statistics — 29 games, 10.8 points, 46.4 FG%, 36.2 3P%, 68.0 FT%, 7.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.0 steals
Friday: 124–99 loss vs. Wisconsin Herd Started; 31 minutes, 6 points, 2–7 FG, 2–4 3FG, 9 rebounds, 2 fouls, 2 steals, 1 turnover, -18
Saturday: 110–98 win vs. Wisconsin Herd Started; 38 minutes, 9 points, 4–6 FG, 1–2 3FG, 10 rebounds, 4 assist, 3 steals, 1 block, +16
Next game 7 p.m. Wednesday vs. South Bay Lakers, ESPN+


Season statistics — 26 games, 5.3 points, 44.3 FG%, 36.8 3P%, 68.4 FT%, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.4 of a block
Wednesday: 115–97 win vs. Sioux Falls Skyforce, Friday: 124–111 loss at Noblesville Boom and Sunday: 125–109 loss at Noblesville Boom Inactive for all three games
Next game 7 p.m. Saturday at Capital City Go-Go


Season statistics — 28 games, 19.4 points, 44.8 FG%, 40.6 3P%, 88.3 FT%, 4.5 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 0.9 of a steal
Tuesday: 121–107 win vs. College Park Skyhawks Started; 30 minutes, 21 points, 7–18 FG, 3–7 3FG, 2–3 FT, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 1 block, +17
Thursday: 125–118 win vs. Salt Lake City Stars Started; 34 minutes, 30 points, 11–22 FG, 4–7 3FG, 2–2 FT, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 fouls, 1 steal, 4 turnovers, +24
Saturday: 146–104 win vs. Salt Lake City Stars Started; 35 minutes, career-high 45 points, 15–22 FG, 69 3FG (6 ties his career-high), 4–4 FT, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 fouls, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 2 blocks, +42
Next game 7 p.m. Monday at Osceola Magic, Prime Video


Season NBA statistics — 3 games, 11 minutes, 5 points, 2–3 FG, 1–1 3FG, 3 rebounds, 2 fouls, +13
Season G League statistics — 21 games, 14.6 points, 47.4 FG%, 29.6 3P%, 60.0 FT%, 11.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.9 of a steal
Tuesday: 116–107 win at Valley Suns Started; 27 minutes, 9 points, 4–12 FG, 0–2 3FG, 1–3 FT, 12 rebounds, 5 assist, 2 fouls 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 1 block, +5
Thursday: 119–115 loss vs. Stockton Kings Started; 30 minutes, 15 points, 5–14 FG, 0–1 3FG, 3–5 FT, 9 rebounds, 1 turnover, -5
Next game 11:30 a.m. Wednesday vs. Texas Legends


Season statistics — 23 games, 19.1 points, 49.1 FG%, 40.7 3P%, 90.7 FT%, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.6 steals
Friday: 124–99 win at Capital City Go-Go Started; 31 minutes, 22 points, 9–15 FG, 4–8 3FG, 0–1 FT, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 fouls, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, +11
Saturday: 110–98 loss at Capital City Go-Go Started; 31 minutes, 16 points, 6–17 FG, 4–11 3FG, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 fouls, 2 steals, 1 turnover, -2
Next game 11 a.m. Thursday at Delaware Blue Coats


Photo via @chicagobulls

1 Comment

Leave a Reply