Coby White electrified the audience with his spectacular performance, securing a career-high 42 points as the Chicago Bulls triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks in a decisive 131-116 victory during Wednesday’s NBA play-in tournament.
White’s mastery on the court, marked by agile crossovers and dynamic spins, elicited chants from the fans as the game neared its climax.
“It was a dope moment for that to happen,” White reflected on the night. “I’m thankful for the fans. It felt like a playoff vibe. The place was rocking tonight.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Coby White, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks Updates
This victory propels Chicago to a face-off against the Miami Heat for the Eastern Conference’s No. 8 seed and a subsequent first-round bout with Boston. The Heat narrowly lost to Philadelphia 105-104 on the same evening.
While Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 30 points, it wasn’t enough to turn the tide for Atlanta, which had faltered in their last six regular-season games.
Nikola Vucevic added 24 points and 12 rebounds for Chicago, and DeMar DeRozan contributed 22 points and nine assists. Ayo Dosunmu, returning from injury, also chipped in with 19 points.
However, the night belonged to White, who was unstoppable at the rim, making 15 out of 21 field goals as the Bulls shot an impressive 56.8% from the field. White also grabbed nine rebounds and dished out six assists, drawing praise across the board.
DeMar DeRozan‘s teammate, Dejounte Murray, commended White, saying, “I root for guys that work hard and are great people. DeMar speaks highly of him. He says he works hard, he’s a great guy, he’s handled his business, he’s a professional on and off the floor. When I hear those things, I root for guys around the league just to have success.”
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Coby White, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks Updates
The Hawks struggled to contain the Bulls’ momentum despite contributions from Trae Young and Clint Capela, who each scored 22 points. Young also handed out 10 assists but was hampered by six turnovers. Capela dominated the boards with 17 rebounds.
By the end of the first quarter, Chicago had already built a significant lead, which they extended through strategic plays and solid teamwork. They led 88-85 late in the third quarter when Vucevic’s three-pointer initiated a 17-2 run that further distanced them from Atlanta.
Key moments included White’s skillful maneuver past Young and an assist to Javonte Green for a dunk, followed by a score off a block by Dalen Terry.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Coby White, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks Updates
The game’s pace intensified, and Chicago maintained control, despite a brief scare when Alex Caruso exited with an ankle injury, his status against Miami remaining uncertain.
“My mindset will be to play ’til my body tells me I can’t,” Caruso declared, looking ahead to the next game.
The Bulls now prepare for their upcoming battle with Miami. Having split their season series, each team secured a win on the road, the stage is set for what promises to be an enthralling continuation of their playoff journey.
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