By R.L. Bynum
Individual success continues to come easy for Caleb Wilson in the NBA, but as his Chicago Bulls keep struggling, he’s having a hard time dealing with losses.
Wilson poured in 23 points, making a season-high six 3-pointers, with five rebounds, four assists and two blocks on Friday, but in a 125–111 road loss to the Boston Celtics that dropped Chicago to 1–5 with its fourth consecutive loss. He only scored seven 3-pointers all of last season at Carolina, and never more than one in a game.
He joined Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, Allen Iverson and Shaquille O’Neal as players who scored at least 20 points in four of their first six NBA games, a feat that LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Steven Curry, among others, didn’t achieve.
“I’ve never been a loser in my whole life. So, I’m going to try my best to make sure that doesn’t happen. I’m never going to accept being a loser,” Wilson said after the game.
The rookie also took responsibility for Chicago’s poor start, declining to use his age or inexperience as an excuse. Boston led by as many as 32 points in the first half, leaving the Bulls with too much ground to recover in their NBA Cup opener.
“It’s my job to be a leader on this team. It’s probably the majority my fault we started the way we did, whether I’m a young player or not,” Wilson said. “I’ll take ownership of that and it won’t happen again.”
Wilson made 6 of 11 attempts from beyond the arc, accounting for nearly half of Chicago’s 15 3-pointers. He shot 7 of 16 overall and 3 of 6 at the free-throw line, adding a steal and committing only one turnover in 31 minutes.
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He showed his developing playmaking: a behind-the-back bounce pass that sent Josh Giddey toward the basket for a layup.
The Bulls’ stronger second half couldn’t erase the damage against a Boston team that got 30 points from Payton Pritchard and 26 from Jayson Tatum, although Wilson rejected a shot by the former Duke star.
Wilson’s frustration centered on the effort that preceded the comeback attempt.
“We shouldn’t be letting anyone play harder than us,” Wilson said.
Cameron Johnson was the only former Tar Heel to win Friday, contributing 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a steal to Denver’s 127–120 victory at Phoenix.
Johnson returned after missing three games with a right ankle sprain and played nearly 34 minutes. He shot 5-for-13 from the floor, including 2-for-8 from three, and finished one rebound short of a double-double. His rebounding helped offset a difficult shooting night as Denver improved to 3–2.
Walker Kessler delivered a double-double and five blocks, but the Los Angeles Lakers lost 112–95 at Golden State.
Kessler finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds and two assists in nearly 31 minutes, shooting 4 of 7 from the floor and 2 of 3 at the line. He finished at +3 despite the 17-point defeat.
His defensive highlights included a first-half chase-down block on Gary Payton II, although the Lakers couldn’t sustain their early control of the game. Los Angeles hosts Toronto on Sunday.
Day’Ron Sharpe and Drake Powell had quieter nights in Brooklyn’s 110–94 home loss to Detroit, falling to 0–5.
Sharpe started and collected three points, seven rebounds, an assist, a steal and two blocks in 23:33. He made 1 of 4 shots, missed both 3-point attempts and split two free throws. Powell, who was assigned to G League training camp with the Long Island Nets earlier in the week, played the final 5:56, recording two assists without attempting a shot.
Coby White remained sidelined with a left calf strain as Charlotte lost 95–79 at Washington.
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 — 4 games, 1.5 points, 33.3 FG%, 20.0 3P%
Wednesday — Spurs 117, Jazz 111 (road) | didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Next game — 8 p.m. Saturday vs. Minnesota
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 — 1 game, 2 points, 1–2 FG, 1 rebound, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls
Wednesday — Spurs 117, Jazz 111 (home) | didn’t play (coach’s decision)
Next game — 3 p.m. Saturday vs. Portland
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 — 2 games, 8.5 points, 43.8 FG%, 33.3 3P%, 0–2 FT, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists
Friday — Nuggets 127, Suns 120 (road NBA Cup game) | started: 33:44, 12 points, 5–13 FG, 2–8 3FG, 0–2 FT, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 3 fouls, +12, 7.9 game score
Next game — 9 p.m. Monday vs. Portland
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 — 6 games, 14.0 points, 72.5 FG%, 47.6 FT%, 9.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.0 steal, 2.8 blocks
Friday — Warriors 112, Lakers 95 (road NBA Cup game) | started: 30:52, 10 points, 4–7 FG, 2–3 FT, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 blocks, 1 turnover, +3, 16.1 game score
Next game — 9 p.m. Sunday vs. Toronto
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,
Friday — Pistons 110, Nets 94 (home NBA Cup game) | 5:56, 0 points, 2 assists, +6
Next game — 5 p.m. Sunday at Indiana
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 — 5 games, 6.6 points, 48.1 FG%, 2–6 3P, 6.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 blocks
Friday — Pistons 110, Nets 94 (home NBA Cup game) | started: 23:33, 3 points, 1–4 FG, 0–2 3FG, 1–2 FT, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 2 turnovers, -3, 4.6 game score
Next game — 5 p.m. Sunday at Indiana
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
Friday — Wizards 95, Hornets 79 (road NBA Cup game) | inactive: left calf strain
Next game — 6 p.m. Saturday vs. Philadelphia, NBATV
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 — 6 games, 21.2 points, 41.7 FG%, 29.8 3P%, 69.7 FT%, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.5 blocks
Friday — Celtics 125, Bulls 111 (road) | started: 31:17, 23 points, 7–16 FG, 6–11 3FG, 3–6 FT, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 1 turnover, 5 fouls, -3, 17.5 game score
Next game — 7:30 Monday at Philadelphia
Likely out for season
Atlanta Hawks center Henri Veesaar (tore right ACL on Sept. 15)
In G League training camp
Leaky Black, Stockton 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
Preseason NBA 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
Season NBA statistics — 2 games, 8 minutes, 2 points, 1–3 FG, 0–2 3FG, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 foul
Tuesday in NBA — Spurs 130, Kings 103 (road) | didn’t start: 8:10, 2 points, 1–3 FG, 0–2 3FG, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 foul, -1
Season opener — 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, vs. Santa Cruz Warriors
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, Nov. 6, 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, Nov. 6, 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, Nov. 6, 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, Nov. 6, 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, Nov. 6, at Iowa Wolves
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