By R.L. Bynum
If there were any doubts that Coby White is an integral part of the new-look Chicago Bulls, he shot them down on Friday night.
After the Bulls dealt six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan in the offseason, White and their perimeter game were expected to be a big part of their success. All of that worked well at Milwaukee as White scored more than a point per minute, with 35 points and seven of the Bulls’ 21 3-pointers in 34 minutes, 22 seconds of the Bulls’ 133–122 victory.
White was 12 of 20 from the floor, 7 of 13 from 3-point range and made all four free-throw attempts. He collected six rebounds and five assists and tied his career high with four steals (fourth time) while putting up a team-high +16.
“We’re trying to build that identity of playing fast and shooting more 3s, but also not just jacking them up,” said White after Chicago scored the most 3-pointers since hitting 25 against New Orleans on Feb. 10, 2021.
White passed Ben Gordon for third on the Bulls’ all-time 3-pointers list with 776. It was White’s third career 35-point game (also on Jan. 31, 2024, at Charlotte and Feb. 25, 2020, vs. Oklahoma City), only eclipsed by two games at Sacramento: his career-high 37 points on March 4, 2024, and 36 points on Jan. 6, 2021. Michael Jordan scored 581 3-pointers in his career.
It was the ninth time White has scored at least seven 3-pointers in his career. His career-best total is eight twice in home games against New Orleans: Dec. 2, 2023, in a 31-point game and Feb. 10, 2021, in a 30-point game.
Six Bulls hit at least a pair of 3-pointers, including four for Nikola Vucevic and three for Jalen Smith. This comes after Chicago was second-to-last in the NBA last season with 941 3-pointers and was 20th in the league with a 35.8% percentage.
“Our coaching staff instilled in everyone, especially coach Donovan, just instilled in everyone the confidence to shoot it,” White said. “If we’d watch film during training camp of our practice, if somebody didn’t shoot it or somebody passed up a shot, he was stopping it and demanding they shoot the ball.”
White had 10 points Wednesday in a 123–111 season-opening loss at New Orleans in which he was 4 of 13 from the floor and missed all five 3-point attempts.
Cole Anthony had another tough game, but in another Orlando win. The Magic moved to 2–0 with a 116–101 home win over Brooklyn, with Anthony collecting four points, two assists and three steals in 20 minutes off the bench.
For Brooklyn, which fell to 0–2, Cameron Johnson had 12 points, two 3-pointers, two rebounds and two assists.
Utah fell to 0–2 with a 127–76 blowout home loss to Golden State, with Walker Kessler contributing two points and nine rebounds in 20 minutes.
Cole Anthony, Milwaukee Bucks guard
Age 25 | 6–2, 185 | 6th season | $2.67 million salary | UNC 2019–20 (1 season)
Roster situation — Backup point guard behind Kevin Porter
Season statistics — 24 games, 7.1 points, 43.5 FG%, 28.6 3P%, 55.0 FT%, 2.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists
Saturday: Pistons 124, Bucks 112 — Didn’t start; 4:46, 3 points, 1–2 FG, 1–1 3FG, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, +13
Thursday: Bucks 116, Celtics 101 — Didn’t start; 18:54, 9 points, 4–6 FG,1–1 3FG, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 5 fouls, +9
Next game — 6 p.m. Sunday at Brooklyn
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 Jeremy Sochan
Season statistics — 24 games, 13.5 points, 48.9 FG%, 43.4 3P%, 88.6 FT%, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists
Monday: Spurs 135, (at) Pelicans 132 — Started; 35:07, team-high 24 points, 9–15 FG, 4–7 3FG, 2–2 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 turnovers, 3 fouls, -17
Wednesday: Spurs 132, (at) Lakers 119 in NBA Cup West semifinal — Started; 32:33, 16 points, 5–12 FG, 4–9 3FG, 2–2 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 1 foul, +8
Next game — 9 p.m. Saturday at Las Vegas in NBA Cup West final vs. Oklahoma City, Prime Video
Tony Bradley, Indiana Pacers center
Age 27 | 6–10, 248 | seventh pro season | UNC 2016–17 (1 season)
Roster situation — Third-string center behind Isaiah Jackson and Jay Huff
Season statistics — 22 games, 4.8 points, 58.3 FG%, 0–1 3FG, 72.4 FT%, 2.6 rebounds, 0.6 of an assist
Monday: Pacers 116, Kings 105 — Didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Friday: (at) Sixers 115, Pacers 105 — 8:41, 2 points, 1–2 FG, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 foul, +1
Next game — 3 p.m. Sunday vs. Washington
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 Bruce Brown
Season statistics — 24 games, 11.4 points, 45.4 FG%, 38.5 3P%, 79.6 FT%, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists
Sunday: Nuggets 115, Hornets 106 — Started; 38:38, 8 points, 2–7 FG, 1–4 3FG, 3–4 FT, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 fouls, +9
Thursday: Nuggets 136, (at) Kings 105 — Started; 32:34, 16 points, 6–13 FG, 1–5 3FG, 3–4 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steals, 1 turnover, 1 foul, +17
Next game — 9:30 Monday vs. Houston, Peacock
Caleb Love,Portland Trail Blazers guard
Age 24 | 6–3, 212 | Rookie season | Two-way contract | UNC 2020–23 (3 seasons)
Season statistics — 17 games, 8.1 points, 33.3 FG%, 24.7 3P%, 80.0 FT%, 2.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists
Sunday: (at) Grizzlies 119, Blazers 96 — Didn’t start; 20:07, 4 points, 2–7 FG, 0–4 3FG, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, -19
Thursday: (at) Pelicans, 143, Blazers 120 — Didn’t start; 11:55, 21:44, 9 points, 4–9 FG, 0–5 3FG, 1–1 FT, 1 rebound, 4 assists, 2 turnovers, -9
Next game — 9 p.m. Sunday vs. Golden State
Drake Powell, Brooklyn Nets forward
Age 20 | 6–5, 195 | Rookie season | 4-year NBA rookie contract | UNC 2024–25 (1 season)
Season statistics — 17 games, 5.9 points, 48.0 FG%, 36.4 3FG%, 94.4 FT%, 1.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Saturday: Nets 119, Pelicans 101 — Didn’t start; 20:34, 3 points, 1–4 FG, 1–3 3FG, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 turnover, 1 foul, -4
Friday: Mavericks 119, Nets 111 — Didn’t start; 2:41, 1 assist, 2 fouls, +2
Next game — 6 p.m. Sunday vs. Milwaukee
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 — 23 games, 7.0 points, 59.2 FG%, 27.8 3P%, 61.9 FT%, 5.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists
Saturday: Nets 119, Pelicans 101 — Didn’t start; 18:49, 16 points, 7–8 FG, 2–3 FT, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, -6
Friday: Mavericks 119, Nets 111 — Didn’t start; 13:26, 6 points, 1–3 FG, 4–4 FG, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 turnover, 2 fouls, -5
Next game — 6 p.m. Sunday vs. Milwaukee
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 — 8 games, 21.9 points, 42.7 FG%, 29.8 3PFG, 80.0 FT%, 3.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists
Sunday: Warriors 123, Bulls 91 — Started; 24:37, 12 points, 3–10 FG, 0–3 3FG, 6–7 FT, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 4 turnovers, 3 fouls, -27
Sunday: Bulls 129, (at) Hornets 126 — Started; 29:39, 20 points, 6–15 FG, 1–4 3FG, 7–9 FT, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, +7
Next game — 7 p.m. Sunday vs. New Orleans
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
Leaky Black, Capital City Go-Go (Wizards) guard
Age 26 | 6–6, 209 | 3rd season | Exhibit 10 contract | UNC 2018–23 (5 seasons)
Season statistics — 12 games, 10.3 points, 40.0 FG%, 19.6 3P%, 78.6 FT%, 6.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.4 steals
Wednesday: Maine Celtics 112, Capital City 101 — Started; 38 minutes, 13 points, 4–12 FG, 1–4 3FG, 2–3 FT, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 fouls, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 2 blocks, -7
Friday: Capital City 111, Maine Celtics 77 — Started; 26 minutes, 15 points, 5–8 FG, 3–4 3FG, 1–1 FT, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 fouls, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 1 block, +17
Next game — 2 p.m. Sunday vs. Delaware Blue Coats
Garrison Brooks, Birmingham Squadron (Pelicans) center
Age 26 | 6–9, 230 | Exhibit 10 contract | UNC 2017–21 (4 seasons)
Season statistics — 10 games, 5.6 points, 44.0 FG%, 33.3 3P%, 50.0 FT%, 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.5 of a block
Sunday: Texas Legends 121, (at) Birmingham 91 — Didn’t start; 4 points, 1–3 FG, 2–3 FT, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 foul, 5 turnovers, 1 block, -16
Tuesday: Texas Legends 130, (at) Birmingham 94 — Didn’t start; 20 minutes, 2 points, 1–6 FG, 0–2 3FG, 6 rebounds, 1 foul, 3 turnovers, -22
Thursday: Birmingham 103, (at) Oklahoma City Blue 101 — Didn’t start; 17 minutes, 6 points, 2–4 FG, 1–2 FT, 5 rebounds, 2 fouls, 1 steal, +3
Next game — 4 p.m. Sunday vs. Rio Grande Valley Vipers
RJ Davis, South Bay Lakers guard
Age 23 | 6–0, 180 | rookie season | Exhibit 10 contract | UNC 2020–25 (5 seasons)
Season statistics — 12 games, 20.1 points, 43.9 FG%, 36.1 3P%, 88.6 FT%, 4.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.1 steals
Sunday: South Bay 141, Rip City Remix 130 (road) — Started; 31 minutes, 23 points, 7–15 FG, 2–7 3FG, 5–5 FT, 7 rebounds, 2 fouls, 2 steals, 5 turnovers, 2 blocks, -1
Tuesday: Stockton Kings 112, South Bay 99 (road) — Started; 32 minutes, 18 points, 6–17 FG, 2–8 3FG, 3–3 FT, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 fouls, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 1 block, -12
Wednesday: Stockton Kings 110, South Bay 98 (road) — Started; 12 minutes, 5 points, 1–5 FG, 1–3 3FG, 1–2 FT, 1 rebound, 2 fouls, 1 turnover, -9
Next game — 8 p.m. Saturday vs. Rip City Remix
Harrison Ingram, Austin Spurs forward
Age 23 | 6–5, 230 | 2nd season | Two-way contract | UNC 2023–24 (1 season)
Season NBA statistics — 3 games, 11 minutes, 5 points, 2–3 FG, 1–1 3FG, 3 rebounds, 2 fouls, +13
Season G League statistics — 7 games, 15.1 points, 47.7 FG%, 34.6 3P%, 60.0 FT%, 10.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.4 steals
Monday: Austin 110, (at) Mexico City Capitanes 107 — Didn’t play
Wednesday: Austin 117, (at) Mexico City Capitanes 104 — Didn’t start; 27 minutes, 9 points, 3–10 FG, 0–2 3FG, 2–3 FT, 10 rebounds, 4 fouls, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 1 block, +10
Wednesday: Austin 138, (at) Texas Legends 132 — Didn’t start; 34 minutes, 21 points, 9–18 FG, 3–7 3FG, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 fouls, 2 steals, 1 block, +7
Next game — 8:30 Saturday at Texas Legends
Pete Nance, Wisconsin Herd center
Age 25 | 6–9, 225 | 3rd season | Two-way contract | UNC 2022–23 (1 season)
Season G League statistics — 6 games, 20.0 points, 60.8 FG%, 45.2 3P%, 75.0 FT%, 8.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 blocks
Season NBA statistics — 6 games, 17 minutes, 18 points, 7–11 FG, 4–8 3FG, 4 rebounds, 1 assist
Saturday in NBA: Pistons 124, Bucks 112 — 4:46, 3 points, 1–3 FG, 1–3 3FG, 1 rebound, +13
Thursday in NBA: Bucks 116, Celtics 101 — 1:53, 2 points, 1–2 FG, 0–1 3FG, 1 rebound, -3
Next game — 1 p.m. Saturday vs. Grand Rapids Gold
Cormac Ryan, Wisconsin Herd (Bucks) guard
Age 26 | 6–5, 195 | 2nd season | Exhibit 10 contract | UNC 2024–25 (1 season)
Season statistics — 3 games, 17.7 points, 48.7 FG%, 38.9 3P%, 6–6 FT, 3.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steal
Sunday: Noblesville Boom 111, Wisconsin 109 — Inactive for game
Wednesday: Wisconsin 114, Motor City Cruise 112 — Didn’t play
Thursday: Noblesville Boom 118, Wisconsin 87 — Didn’t start; 14 points, 5–15 FG, 0–4 3FG, 2–2 FT, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 fouls, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, -29
Next game — 1 p.m. Saturday vs. Grand Rapids Gold
Photo via @chicagobulls
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