Tar Heels in pros: White clutch as Bulls end skid; Barnes’ Spurs in NBA Cup semifinals; Davis scores 23

By R.L. Bynum

Coby White delivered a clutch performance Friday night, helping the Chicago Bulls end a seven-game losing streak in his home state.

White scored 20 points, including two free throws with 8.2 seconds left to seal a 129–126 road victory Friday over the Charlotte Hornets.

“It feels good to breathe again,” the Goldsboro native said in the locker room. “Winning cures everything.”

The Bulls (10–14) overcame a 13-point deficit in the second half, thanks in part to White’s late-game composure.

White has played in eight games since returning from a strained right calf, with at least 20 points in seven of them, averaging 21.9 points and 5.0 assists. On Sunday, White had 12 points against Golden State in a 123–91 loss.


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.


Harrison Barnes had a big week that will conclude Saturday with San Antonio (17–7) facing Oklahoma City (24–1) in the NBA Cup West final at 9 p.m. in Las Vegas. That game follows the 5:30 East final between Orlando (15–10) and New York (17–7). Both games air on Prime Video, as does the 8:30 championship game on Tuesday.

Barnes scored a team-high 24 points in Monday’s 135–132 road win over New Orleans, then had 16 points in Wednesday’s NBA Cup West semifinal victory on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Elsewhere in the NBA for former UNC players:
— Milwaukee guard Cole Anthony contributed nine points, five assists, and three rebounds in a 116–101 Thursday win over Boston. Anthony, who scored three points in limited minutes of Saturday’s 124–112 loss to Detroit, is averaging 7.1 points and 4.1 assists in a backup role.
— Denver’s Cameron Johnson scored 16 points in Thursday’s 136–105 road blowout of Sacramento after collecting eight points and four rebounds in Sunday’s 115–106 win against Charlotte. He’s shooting 38.5% from 3-point range this season.
— Brooklyn center Day’Ron Sharpe scored 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting with three rebounds and three assists in Saturday’s 119–101 win over New Orleans. He had six points and six rebounds in Friday’s 119–111 loss to Dallas.
— Portland rookie guard Caleb Love combined for 13 points and missed all nine 3-point attempts in two games last week. He’s now shooting 24.7% from 3-point range on the season.
— Nets rookie Drake Powell only logged just over 23 minutes in their two games last week, scoring three points and dishing out three assists.
— Indiana center Tony Bradley didn’t play (coach’s decision) in Monday’s Pacers game, then had two points and two rebounds in Friday’s 115–105 loss at Philadelphia.
— Pete Nance, who is playing most of his games in the G League with the Wisconsin Herd, played in two games last week for Milwaukee. He logged about 6½ minutes and contributed five points and two rebounds.

In the G League last week:

— South Bay Lakers rookie guard RJ Davis is averaging 20.1 points through 12 games. His best of three games last week was 23 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks in Sunday’s 141–130 road win over the Rip City Remix.
— Austin Spurs forward Harrison Ingram had 21 points and nine rebounds in Wednesday’s 137–132 road victory over Texas Legends.
— Capital City Go-Go guard Leaky Black had two strong games, with 13 points and five rebounds in Wednesday’s 112–101 loss to the Maine Celtics, then 15 points and nine rebounds in Friday’s 111–77 win over Maine.
— Birmingham Squadron center Garrison Brooks combined for eight points and 11 rebounds in two games last week.

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 33 games, 7.0 points, 44.6 FG%, 32.8 3P%, 61.5 FT%, 2.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists
Team record: 18–27, 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 asisst, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, -17
Next game 7 p.m. Thursday at Washington, Prime Video


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 46 games, 10.6 points, 43.3 FG%, 35.9 3P%, 87.3 FT%, 2.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists
Team record: 31–15, 2nd in Western Conference
Tuesday: (at) Rockets 111, Spurs 105— Started; 24:37, 6 points, 2–6 FG, 2–5 3FG, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover, -2
Thursday: Spurs 126, (at) Jazz 109 — Started; 21:51, 2 points, 1–5 FG, 0–4 3FG, 1 rebound, 1 assist, -5
Sunday: Pelicans 104, Spurs 95 — Started; 19:02, 5 points, 1–2 FG, 1–2 3FG, 2–2 FT, 1 rebound, 3 assist, -9
Next game 9:30 Wednesday at Houston, 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: 11–35, 14th in Eastern Conference
Wednesday: (at) Celtics 119, Pacers 104— 6:18, 2 points, 1–5 FG, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, -2
Friday: Pacers 117, (at) Thunder 114— Played less than a minute
Monday: (at) Hawks 132, Pacers 116— Didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Next game — 7 p.m. Wednesday vs. Chicago


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: 31–16, 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 — 39 games, 11.3 points, 39.3 FG%, 32.8 3P%, 74.4 FT%, 2.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists
Team record: 23–24, 9th in Western Conference
Thursday: Blazers 127, Heat 110 Didn’t start; 33:30, 20 points, 8–19 FG, 4–12 3FG, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 turnovers, +15
Friday: Raptors 110, Blazers 98 Didn’t start; 28:41, 11 points, 4–9 FG, 3–6 3FG, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 turnovers, -1
Monday: (at) Celtics 102, Blazer 94 Didn’t start; 25:45, 11 points, 5–14 FG, 1–7 3FG, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 turnovers, -1
Next game 7:30 Friday at New York


Roster situation Starting shooting guard
Season statistics 34 games, 6.1 points, 44.0 FG%, 30.6 3FG%, 89.7 FT%, 1.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 of a steal
Team record: 12–33, 13th in Eastern Conference
Tuesday: 106–102 loss at Phoenix Started; 8:28, 1 turnover, -9
Next game 9 p.m. Thursday at Denver


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 43 games, 7.8 points, 60.3 FG%, 20.0 3P%, 67.3 FT%, 6.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists
Team record: 12–33, 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
Next game 9 p.m. Thursday at Denver


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 — 25 games, 19.0 points, 45.7 FG%, 37.0 3PFG, 80.0 FT%, 3.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists
Team record: 23–23, 9th in Eastern Conference
Tuesday: Bulls 138, Clippers 110 Started; 30:37, 27 points, 9–16 FG, 6–10 3FG, 3–3 FT, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 2 fouls, +15
Thursday: Bulls 120, (at) Timberwolves 115 Started; 29:56, 22 points, 6–16 FG, 3–10 3FG, 7–9 FT, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 turnovers, 2 fouls, +6
Saturday: Bulls 114, Celtics 111 Started; 32:17, 22 points, 6–16 FG, 5–9 3FG, 5–5 FT, 1 rebound, 7 assists, 4 turnovers, 2 fouls, +5
Monday: Lakers 129, Bulls 118 Started; 31:07, 23 points, 8–13 FG, 5–10 3FG, 2–2 FT, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 4 turnoers, 4 fouls,m +7
Next game 7 p.m. Wednesday at Indiana


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 — 27 games, 11.1 points, 46.2 FG%, 35.1 3P%, 68.0 FT%, 7.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.0 steals
Thursday: (at) Austin Spurs 110, Capital City 103 Started; 37 minutes, 15 points, 6–11 FG, 3–7 3FG, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 fouls, 2 blocks, -4
Friday: Capital City 112, (at) Austin Spurs 96 Started; 36 minutes, 10 points, 4–11 FG, 2–5 3FG, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 fouls, 1 steal, 1 block, +24
Next game 8 p.m. Friday vs. Wisconsin Herd


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
Thursday: Cleveland Charge 113, Birmingham 104 Didn’t start; 17 minutes, 2 points, 1–2 FG, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 fouls, 1 block, -11
Thursday: Cleveland Charge 120, Birmingham 105 Didn’t start; 14 minutes, 2 points, 1–2 FG, 0–1 3FG, 1 assist, -2
Next game 8 p.m. Wednesday vs. Sioux Falls Skyforce


Season statistics — 25 games, 17.9 points, 43.3 FG%, 38.5 3P%, 88.2 FT%, 4.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 0.8 of a steal
Tuesday: (at) Rio Grande Valley Vipers 126, South Bay 119 Started; 32 minutes, 24 points, 7–15 FG, 4–7 3FG, 3–3 FT, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 fouls, 1 steal, 4 turnovers, -14
Thursday: Mexico City Capitanes 123, South Bay 113 Didn’t start; 33 minutes, 21 points, 7–10 FG, 3–4 3FG, 3–4 FT, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 fouls, 1 steal, 4 turnovers, -4
Saturday: South Bay 125, Mexico City Capitanes 95 Started; 24 minutes, 10 points, 4–10 FG, 1–5 3FG, 1–1 FT, 5 rebounds, 10 assists, 4 turnovers, +7
Next game 10 p.m. Tuesday vs. College Park Skyhawks, ESPN+


Season NBA statistics — 3 games, 11 minutes, 5 points, 2–3 FG, 1–1 3FG, 3 rebounds, 2 fouls, +13
Season G League statistics — 19 games, 14.85 points, 48.9 FG%, 30.9 3P%, 62.2 FT%, 11.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.9 of a steal
Tuesday: Austin 127, (at) Oklahoma City Blue 112 Started; 34 minutes, 13 points, 6–16 FG, 1–5 3FG, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 fouls, 2 turnovers, 1 block +4
Thursday: Austin Spurs 110, Capital City 103 Started; 38 minutes, 11 points, 4–8 FG, 1–2 3FG, 1–3 FT, 16 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 fouls, 2 steals, 4 turnovers, +5
Friday: Capital City 112, Austin Spurs 96 Started; 37 minutes, 6 points, 2–7 FG, 0–2 3FG, 1–1 FT, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 fouls, 1 turnover, -16
Sunday: Austin Spurs 102, (at) Valley Suns 91 Started; 40 minutes, 13 points, 5–14 FG, 1–6 3FG, 1–1 FT, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 fouls, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 1 block, team-high +22
Next game 9 p.m. Tuesday at Valley Suns, ESPN+


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 — 15 games, 2.9 points, 54.8 FG%, 50.0 3P%, 1.2 rebounds, 0.3 of an assist
Tuesday in NBA with Bucks: 139–122 loss at Philadelphia 2:23, 2 points, 1–2 FG, -3
Next game 2 p.m. Friday at Capital City Go-Go


Season statistics — 21 games, 20.0 points, 49.5 FG%, 40.4 3P%, 92.5 FT%, 3.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.6 steals
Thursday: Noblesville Boom 95, Wisconsin 90 Started; 31 minutes, 23 points, 9–12 FG, 5–8 3FG, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 fouls, 1 steal, 4 turnovers, -2
Saturday: Noblesville Boom 117, Wisconsin 115 Started; 37 minutes, 25 points, 8–13 FG, 3–5 3FG, 3–3 FT, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 fouls, 1 steal, 6 turnovers, -17
Next game 2 p.m. Friday at Capital City Go-Go


Photo via @chicagobulls

Leave a Reply