UNC Alumni in the Pros: Theo Pinson scores 43 points in G-League
By Trevor Marks
Former Tar Heel’s stand out Theo Pinson scored a career-high 43 points for the Long Island Nets on Thursday, hitting seven three-pointers and scoring 30 in the first half.
Theo Pinson’s reign over the NBA G-League isn’t ending anytime soon.
In a Thursday night matchup against the Maine Red Claws, Pinson scored a career-high 43 points (17-29 FG, 7-13 3PT, 2-3 FT) in 41 minutes, helping lead the Long Island Nets to a 121-109 victory. Pinson also chipped in an additional four rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block.
Perhaps the highlight of the rookie’s night was an impressive first half, in which he blitzed the Red Claws with 30 points and six three-pointers, giving the Nets a 69-51 lead that they wouldn’t look back from.
Check out some highlights of Pinson’s big night including his hot play from behind the three-point line:
Pinson, who went undrafted this past summer, is currently playing on a two-way contract for the Brooklyn Nets, splitting his time between the NBA and the Long Island Nets of the NBA G-League. Through 19 games with Long Island, the 6-foot-6 wing is effectively stuffing the stat sheet, posting nightly averages of 19.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists and one steal, while also leading the team in three-pointers made (3) and attempted (7.7) per game, as well as three-point percentage (38.8 percent).
Despite only appearing in six games for the Brooklyn Nets (1.7 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 9.8 minutes per game), Pinson’s recent strong play in the G-League should certainly catch the attention of the Nets brass, and the wing could potentially see more playing time if his strong play continues.
The Brooklyn Nets currently sit seventh (21-22) in the Eastern Conference, looking for their first playoff birth since the 2014-2015 season.
If they are ever in need of a 6-foot-6 wing who’s capable of attacking the basket, hitting threes, running an offense and defending multiple positions, Brooklyn knows who to turn to.
For more coverage on Theo Pinson and other former Tar Heels in the pros, stick with Keeping It Heel.