By R.L. Bynum
Calf strains delayed the start of Coby White’s season, but he continues to produce big games, including coming through in the clutch Tuesday night in Atlanta in the Chicago Bulls’ fourth consecutive victory.
Meanwhile, Harrison Barnes had a big game as San Antonio knocked off the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder ahead of their nationally televised Christmas Day rematch. In the G League, RJ Davis, Harrison Ingram and Cormac Ryan had impressive games at the Winter Showcase in Orlando, Fla.
White scored a team-high 24 points, including a free throw, to seal a come-from-behind 126–123 victory at Atlanta. That followed up a 21-point, five-assist game in Sunday’s 152–150 road win over the Hawks.
On Tuesday, after Atlanta’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker tied the game with a layup with 1.9 seconds left, White made a free throw to put the Bulls ahead for good. After White’s free throw, Nikola Vucevic hit two more to push the lead to three. Atlanta’s last-second 3-point attempt missed.
The Bulls trailed by 18 in the second quarter, but White sparked the rally with aggressive drives and timely jumpers. His ability to create offense kept Chicago within striking distance until the fourth-quarter surge.
White’s night wasn’t just about scoring. He added key assists during the Bulls’ decisive 19–6 run in the final minutes, finding Vucevic for a pair of baskets and setting up Josh Giddey, who posted a triple-double with 19 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds.
White’s confidence seems to be growing with each game. He’s averaging a career-high 21.2 points this season, along with 5.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds, while shooting 44%. After missing early games with calf strains, he has scored 20 or more points in four of his last five outings.
That surge comes at a pivotal time. White is in the final season of his $12.9 million contract, and his breakout has made him a hot name in trade chatter ahead of the February deadline. Teams looking for scoring and backcourt depth have taken notice, but White insists he’s focused on the present.
“I feel like I’m in a good rhythm,” White said. “But it’s all about winning. That’s what matters.”
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White was 5 of 10 from 3-point range on Tuesday after going 3 of 7 on Sunday. In the Bulls’ 126–125 Friday win at Cleveland, he had 13 points, a season-high nine assists and six rebounds.
Barnes poured in 20 points, knocking down mid-range jumpers and timely 3-pointers as host San Antonio beat the Thunder 130–110.
With the teams set for a Christmas Day clash at 2:30 (ESPN), Barnes emphasized the familiarity built through multiple December battles.
“It’s a great way to keep us sharp,” Barnes said. “When you think of where you want to go, the postseason, we’re on a collision course with this team. It’s good for us to continue to have the opportunity to have this kind of preparation. Obviously, OKC is a good team … it’s a great way to keep us sharp.”
Barnes’ performance reinforced his role as a steady scoring option alongside fellow veterans and rising talents such as Keldon Johnson and Stephon Castle, who poured in 25 and 24 points, respectively.
His big Tuesday performance came after scoring seven points in Friday’s 126–98 win at Atlanta and 14 in Sunday’s 124–113 victory at Washington.
Caleb Love had 17 points and three 3-pointers to help Portland erase a 17-point deficit and briefly lead Tuesday before the Orlando Magic earned a 110–106 road victory. It was the fifth double-figure scoring game of his rookie season and the fifth with at least three 3-pointers.
Love played 33½ minutes on Tuesday after combining for 27½ minutes and seven points in Portland’s two other games in the last week.
In the G League, Davis continues to produce impressive games for the South Bay Lakers.
In the Winter Showcase last weekend in Orlando, he collected 25 points, three 3-pointers, nine assists, four rebounds and two steals in Sunday’s 131–119 victory over the Wisconsin Herd. On Saturday, he had 16 points, two 3-pointers, four assists and three rebounds in a 130–106 win over the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
In his Wisconsin team’s loss to Davis’ Lakers on Sunday, Ryan had 22 points, six assists, six steals and three rebounds. In Monday’s 118–103 loss to Rio Grande, Ryan contributed 17 points, four assists and three rebounds. Pete Nance was inactive for the Herd’s games in Orlando.
Ingram had a double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds) in the Austin Spurs’ 119–117 overtime loss Friday to the Stockton Kings. In Sunday’s 123–114 loss to the Maine Celtics, he collected 18 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Elsewhere among former UNC players in the NBA last week:
— Cameron Johnson bounced back from a rough night in Denver’s 115–101 loss to Houston (6 points) on Saturday with a season-best shooting display in Monday’s 135–112 victory over Utah, scoring 20 points and making all six 3-point attempts. He scored eight points in Tuesday’s 131–130 loss to Dallas ahead of Thursday’s nationally televised 10:30 home game against Minnesota (ABC, ESPN). He suffered a bone bruise in his right knee in the fourth quarter on Tuesday, though. Although an MRI showed no structural damage, he is expected to miss some games.
— Cole Anthony had three points, making a 3-pointer in his only shot, in just over a minute during Milwaukee’s 111–94 road win Tuesday over Indiana after not playing (coach’s decision) in Sunday’s loss to Minnesota.
—Day’Ron Sharpe nearly posted his second double-double of the season Tuesday with nine points and 11 rebounds in Brooklyn’s 114–106 win Tuesday at Philadelphia. He tied his career-high with six assists. In the Nets’ 96–81 Sunday win over Toronto, he collected eight points, four assists and three rebounds.
—Drake Powell missed both Brooklyn games this week, recovering from his third ankle injury of the season.
—After not playing (coach’s decision) in Indiana’s previous two games, Tony Bradley played nearly three scoreless minutes in Indiana’s Tuesday loss to Milwaukee.
Elsewhere in the G League:
—Leaky Black had 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the Capital City Go-Go’s 116–103 Monday loss to the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He had eight points and four assists in Saturday’s 125–96 win over the Oklahoma City Blue.
—Garrison Brooks had six points, five assists and two rebounds in Birmingham’s 125–121 Sunday win over the Valley Suns after going scoreless with six rebounds and two assists in Saturday’s 117–101 loss to the Iowa Wolves.
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 — 3 games, 1.0 point, 25.0 FG%, 25.0 3P%
Friday — Rockets 114, Spurs 110 (home) | didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Saturday — Spurs 122, Mavericks 106 (road) | didn’t start: 3:57, 0 points, 0–1 FG, 0–1 3FG, +6
Next game — 8 p.m. Tuesday vs. Sacramento
Leaky Black, Sacramento Kings guard
Age 27 | 6–6, 209 | 4th season | $678,882 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2018–23 (5 seasons)
Roster situation — Reserve; likely to play share of games in G League
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 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
Friday — Blazers 128, Kings 120 (home) | didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Sunday — Grizzlies 123, Kings 112 (home) | 1 second, +1
Next game — 8 p.m. Tuesday at San Antonio
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
Friday — Jazz 120, Pelicans 119 (home) | didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Sunday — Lakers 132, Jazz 123 (home) | not active for game
Next game — 9 p.m. Monday vs. Memphis
Harrison Ingram, Utah Jazz forward
Age 24 | 6–6, 230 | 3rd pro season | $678,882 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2023–24 (1 season)
Roster situation — Third-string forward fighting for a roster spot; likely to play in G League
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 statistics — 4 games, 7.9 minutes, 19 points, 53.3 FG%, 1–3 3FG, 2–2 FT, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block
Friday — Jazz 120, Pelicans 119 (home) | inactive for game
Sunday — Lakers 132, Jazz 123 (home) | inactive for game
Next game — 9 p.m. Monday vs. Memphis
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 — 1 game, 5.0 points, 66.7 FG%, 1–4 3P, 2.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist
Saturday — Nuggets 141, Pelicans 135 (home) | didn’t play (sprained right ankle)
Next game — 10 p.m. Monday vs. Golden State, Peacock, NBCSN
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 — 3 games, 16.7 points, 82.1 FG%, 44.4 FT%, 8.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 steal, 3.0 blocks
Friday — Lakers 125, Clippers 117 (home) | started: 34:54, 22 points, 10–14 FG, 2–5 FT, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 6 blocks, 1 turnovers, 3 fouls, team-high +18
Sunday — Lakers 132, Jazz 123 (road) | started: 28:28, 2 points, 1–2 FG, 7 rebounds, 1 block, 1 turnover, 4 fouls, +6
Next game — 11 p.m. Tuesday vs. Portland
Caleb Love, Philadelphia 76ers guard
Age 25 | 6–3, 212 | 2nd season | $678,882 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2020–23 (3 seasons)
Roster situation — Fighting for a roster spot; likely to play in G League
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 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
Saturday — (season debut) Sixers 127, Bucks 116 (home) | 30 seconds, no statistics
Sunday — Pistons 106, Sixers 93 (road) | didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Next game — 7 p.m. Wednesday at Indiana, ESPN
Pete Nance, Milwaukee Bucks center
Age 25 | 6–9, 225 | 3rd season | $678,882 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2022–23 (1 season)
Roster situation — Fighting for a roster spot; likely to play in G League
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 statistics — 4 games, 13.0 minutes, 4.0 points, 35.7 FG%, 30.0 3P%, 75.0 FT%, 3.2 rebounds
Saturday — Sixers 127, Bucks 116 (road) | inactive
Next game — 8 p.m. Monday vs. Indiana
Tyler Nickel, New York Knicks forward
Age 23 | 6–7, 220 | rookie season | $678,882 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2022–23 (1 season)
Roster situation — Fighting for a roster spot
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 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
Friday — Celtics 107, Knicks 103 (road) | inactive for game
Sunday — Magic 111, Knicks 102 (home) | inactive for game
Next game — 8 p.m. Tuesday vs. Detroit, NBC, Peacock
Drake Powell, Brooklyn Nets forward
Age 21 | 6–5, 195 | 2nd season | $3.54 million salary | UNC 2024–25 (1 season)
Roster situation — Backup 2 guard behind Egor Demin
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
Saturday — Cavaliers 125, Nets 121 (road) | didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Sunday — (season debut) Pacers 136, Nets 109 (home) | didn’t start: 12:21, 0 points, 0–2 FT, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 fouls, -7
Next game — 7:30 Tuesday at Boston
Cormac Ryan, Milwaukee Bucks guard
Age 26 | 6–5, 195 | 2nd season | $680,984 salary (2-way contract) | UNC 2024–25 (1 season)
Roster situation — Fighting for a roster spot; likely to play in G League
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 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
Saturday — Sixers 127, Bucks 116 (road) | inactive
Next game — 8 p.m. Monday vs. Indiana
Day’Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets center
Age 25 | 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 — 3 games, 8.7 points, 52.6 FG%, 2–3 3P, 6.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 block
Saturday — Cavaliers 125, Nets 121 (road) | started: 22:40, 7 points, 3–10 FG, 1–2 3FG, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, +6
Sunday — Pacers 136, Nets 109 (home) | started: 16:12, 11 points, 3–4 FG, 1–1 3FG, 4–7 FT, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, -13
Next game — 7:30 Tuesday at Boston
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
Team record: 44–38, 9th in Eastern Conference
Saturday — Hornets 115, Heat 110 (home) | inactive: left calf strain
Next game — 7 p.m. Monday vs. Washington
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 — 3 games, 22.3 points, 40.7 FG%, 17.4 3P%, 78.9 FT%, 8.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.3 blocks
Saturday — Wizards 124, Bulls 120 (home) | started: 38:22, 30 points, 10–24 FG, 1–9 3FG, 9–11 FT, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 2 fouls, +14, 26.2 game score (tied for best college game score: 24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals in 87–74 win over Kansas on Nov. 7, 2025)
Next game — 7:30 Monday at Boston
Likely out for season
Atlanta Hawks center Henri Veesaar (tore right ACL on Sept.15)
Waived in training camp
Guard RJ Davis by San Antonio (preseason statistics: 3 games, 8.8 minutes, 7 points, 27.3 FG%, 1–4 3FG, 0–2 FT, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block)
Photo via @chicagobulls
