By R.L. Bynum
No team in the NBA wants to help the Detroit Pistons end their long losing streak. Cameron Johnson scored a season-high 24 points, and Day’Ron Sharpe notched his fifth double-double and a career-high four blocks to ensure Tuesday that it wouldn’t be the Brooklyn Nets.
Johnson scored nearly a point a minute in 26 minutes, and Sharpe collected 11 points and 11 rebounds in 22 minutes as the Nets won at Detroit 118–112.
The Pistons’ 27-game losing streak is a single-season NBA record. The overall worst losing streak in North American sports history was the Philadelphia 76ers’ 28-game skid that started in the 2014–15 season and ended in the 2015-16 season.
“We all see it. We ain’t trying to be the one they get their win on, so we’re going to play just as hard,” said Sharpe, whose five double-doubles off the bench lead the NBA. “I feel like everybody tunes in to watch them get a win. And it’s not going to be on us.”
It was Nets’ second straight win over Detroit after winning 126–115 on Saturday in Brooklyn.
Johnson was 9 of 13 from the floor, made 4 of 6 3-point attempts and pulled down two rebounds for a 20.0 game score, his second-highest this season. Sharpe was 3 of 8 from the floor, 5 of 7 from the free-throw line and added three assists and two steals.
Sharpe tied his season-high with an 18.6 game score, matching his effort two games earlier at home against Denver on Dec. 22, when he had 13 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. His only better career game score was 21.9 last season on March 21 in a 20-point, 11-rebound, two-block game against Cleveland.
Sharpe credited his recent good play to just playing his game and having a high motor.
“I’m just so locked in, I’m not thinking about nothing else, just what’s going on in front of me,” Sharpe said. “Just like as we play, just figure out what guys are doing, what move they’ve been doing the whole time. I’m just out there playing hard, and I just wanted to win, for real.”
Brooklyn coach Jacque Vaughn praised Sharpe’s play of late, and his ability to stack one good game after another.
“It just shows his maturity,” Vaughn said. “You have to be prepared to play, you have to do your homework and be prepared to play, and he’s been doing that. He has the ability to rebound the basketball, and there’s a toughness that’s about him that we need on a lot of nights just because he’s a big dude, and we need a big dude in the middle to push and grab rebounds and set screens and be okay doing that. He isn’t complicating things, and I think that’s the best lesson learned right now. You keep it simple, do the things that you do really well, and you’ll continue to get minutes.”
Johnson will miss Wednesday’s home game with Milwaukee for “injury maintenance” with a right knee sprain.
Coby White has hit a perimeter shooting slump, but still scored 19 points as host Chicago held on to top Atlanta 118–113.
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White, who scored at least three 3-pointers in 14 consecutive games to break the Bulls franchise record in a streak that ended Dec. 21, missed all seven 3-point attempts against the Hawks after missing all eight attempts in Saturday’s home loss to Cleveland.
Walker Kessler matched Sharpe’s total of four blocks, and had 11 points and seven rebounds in Utah’s 130–118 win at San Antonio. Kessler has eight games with at least four blocks this season and is third in the league with 2.8 per game.
Cole Anthony collected 11 points, three rebounds and four assists as Orlando finished its road trip 2–4 after winning 127-119 in Washington for the Magic’s second straight win.
Harrison Barnes had nine points and five rebounds in Sacramento’s 130–113 road loss to Portland.
On Monday, Charlotte transferred Leaky Black to the G League’s Greensboro roster. The Swarm plays College Park at home at 7 p.m. Wednesday (ESPN+).
Reggie Bullock, who wasn’t available for two games because of sickness, was back in uniform for Houston’s 123–117 win over Indiana but didn’t play (coach’s decision.)
Nassir Little, who still is recovering from an orbital fracture, played three scoreless minutes in Phoenix’s 128–114 home loss Monday to Dallas.
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 — 6 games, 3.8 points, 50 FG%, 45.5 3P%, 75 FT%
Wednesday — Spurs 112, Mavericks 111 (home) | didn’t start: 12:36, 4 points, 1–2 FG, 1–2 3FG, 1–2 FT, 2 rebounds, -2
Next game — 10 p.m. Friday at Sacramento
Leaky Black, Sacramento 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
Season NBA statistics — 4 games, 4.3 points, 42.9 FG%, 36.4 3P%, 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals
Wednesday — Lakers 116, Kings 103 (home) | didn’t start: 22:22, 3 points, 1–4 FG, 0–3 3FG, 1–2 FT, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 4 fouls, -15
Next game — 10 p.m. Friday vs. San Antonio (NBA Cup game)
G League opener with Salt Lake City Stars — 10 p.m. Friday at Coachella Valley Lakers
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 — 2 games, 2.0 points, 2–4 FG, 4 rebound, 1 steal
Wednesday — Pelicans 120, Jazz 113 (road) | didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Next game — 8 p.m. Friday at Dallas
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 — 4 games, 9.0 points, 41.9 FG%, 40.0 3P%, 2–4 FT, 4.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Wednesday — Nuggets 128, Raptors 109 (home) | started: 29:34, 12 points, 4–10 FG, 4–8 3FG, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 1 foul, +20
Next game — 5 p.m. Saturday vs. Indiana in Mexico City, NBATV
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 — 9 games, 14.4 points, 71.8 FG%, 56.3 FT%, 10.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.3 steal, 2.7 blocks
Wednesday — Lakers 116, Kings 103 (road) | started: 32:08, 28:51, 15 points, 6–8 FG, 3–4 FT, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 4 blocks, 6 fouls, -1
Next game — 10 p.m. Friday vs. Portland, Prime Video
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,
Wednesday — Nets 114, Hornets 104 (home) | not active for game
Next game — 7:30 Saturday at Atlanta
G League opener with Long Island Nets — 7 p.m. Friday at Greensboro Swarm
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 — 8 games, 7.1 points, 50.0 FG%, 2–7 3P, 68.2 FT%, 7.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 blocks
Wednesday — Nets 114, Hornets 104 (home) | started: 27:22, 5 points, 2–3 FG, 0–1 3FG, 1–2 FT, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 1 turnover, 4 fouls, +7
Next game — 7:30 Wednesday vs. Charlotte
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
Season statistics — 2 games, 5.5 points, 27.8 FG%, 10.0 3P%, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.5 turnovers
Wednesday — Nets 114, Hornets 104 (road) | started: 18:06, 4 points, 2–9 FG, 0–5 3FG, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, -15
Next game — 7 p.m. Friday vs. Boston (NBA Cup game)
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 — 8 games, 19.5 points, 40.9 FG%, 30.2 3P%, 69.4 FT%, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.1 blocks
Wednesday — Knicks 135, Bulls 105 (road) | started: 21:45, 5 points, 2–12 FG, 1–7 3FG, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 1 foul, -22
Next game — 3:30 Saturday vs. Philadelphia
Likely out for season
Atlanta Hawks center Henri Veesaar (tore right ACL on Sept. 15)
In G League training camp
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 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 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 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 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 at Iowa Wolves
Photo via @BrooklynNets
