Coby White’s 24-point performance propelled the Chicago Bulls to a 108-104 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, halting their six-game winning streak during the NBA’s Monday slate.
Nikola Vucevic contributed significantly with 23 points and eight rebounds, while DeMar DeRozan added 15 for the Bulls. Vucevic highlighted the team’s unity and optimism despite their 11-17 record, hoping for continued progress.
“All of us are supporting each other, and it’s contagious,” Vucevic said. “We won some games, so that helps, too. We’re only 11-17, but hopefully, we’re on a good path and can continue that way.”
The Bulls have secured six wins in their last nine games, even without All-Star Zach LaVine, who was sidelined due to left foot inflammation. Coach Billy Donovan emphasized the team’s competitive spirit against top-tier teams and the need for consistent performance.
“We’ve competed well against the better teams,” Donovan said. “It’s a matter for us of maintaining more consistency. The ups and downs of the game are going to happen for every team. I like the way that we are responding.”
Joel Embiid’s impressive streak continued with 40 points and 13 rebounds, marking his 11th consecutive game scoring over 30 points with 10-plus rebounds. Tyrese Maxey also shined for the 76ers with 29 points, but the loss marked their first against a team with a losing record this season.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Coby White, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
76ers coach Nick Nurse pointed out the team’s slight lag in reaction time and the need for more consistent individual performances.
“We were just a half step behind on some stuff, and they beat us to some rebounds,” Nurse said. “Some of our defensive stuff, while good at times, wasn’t good enough on others. And we just didn’t get enough good enough individual performances around the horn that we’ve been getting.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Coby White, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Chicago’s early 12-point deficit was overcome thanks to White’s exceptional first-half performance, scoring 16 points to help the Bulls lead 55-44. White’s recent average of 22.9 points over nine games has been a crucial factor for Chicago, particularly with LaVine sidelined.
Vucevic praised White’s hard work and ability to step up in LaVine’s absence. The Bulls maintained their lead, eventually securing an eight-point advantage late in the game, despite a brief lead by the 76ers after a Maxey 3-pointer.
“I knew that he was capable of doing this, but obviously when Zach went down he has become aggressive and taken advantage of the situation,” Vucevic said. “I’m really happy for him. He’s a great guy who is always working hard in the gym and getting better.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Coby White, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
In the final moments, DeRozan’s free throws and a key defensive play on Embiid by Vucevic and White sealed the game for Chicago. Donovan stressed the importance of team synergy and mutual support, especially when facing equally talented or stronger teams.
“The most important thing right now for us is five guys connected,” Donovan said. “If you don’t have that and the talent level is equal or you are undermanned … you have zero chance to win. None.
“So I think the most important thing has been the sharing of the basketball, the moving of it, and the covering for each other.”
Looking ahead, the Bulls will host the Los Angeles Lakers, while the 76ers face Minnesota at home, both games scheduled for Wednesday night.
