Coby White ignited the Bulls' offense in his return, scoring 27 points and demonstrating clutch free-throw shooting in a thrilling double-overtime battle.
Though Billy Donovan said earlier that Coby White would return with a minute restriction, the Chicago Bulls star point guard played over the bar on Sunday night at the Delta Center. The Bulls needed every minute they could get from White, and he delivered.
Despite Chicago's 150-147 double-overtime loss to Utah, White generated a promising look in his season debut, scoring a team-high 27 points in 30 minutes while going a perfect 14-for-14 from the free-throw line.
White's impact was immediate. Checking in for the first time this season in the first quarter, he drilled a three from the right corner off a baseline pass—his first field goal of the year. He stayed hot with another three from the left wing, then found Julian Phillips in the left corner while stumbling under defensive pressure to tie the game at 28.
His playmaking provided the extra creation Chicago desperately needed, setting up Patrick Williams for a three in the second quarter. White drew fouls relentlessly, converting two free throws after drawing Ace Bailey's fourth foul. He added four more from the line before halftime, helping the Bulls build a 70-61 advantage.
White's ability to get to the basket and draw contact proved invaluable down the stretch. He scored 10 free throws in regulation alone, repeatedly attacking the rim when Chicago's offense stalled. After Lauri Markkanen hit a fadeaway over Ayo Dosunmu late in the fourth, White assisted on Dosunmu's clutch three near the shot-clock buzzer, then drained another three himself to keep the Bulls ahead.
In the first overtime, White scored a layup and drew fouls on drives, converting two more free throws to trim Utah's lead to 144-142. In the second overtime, with Matas Buzelis fouled out, White — already beyond his restriction — checked back on the floor. His game-tying free throws with 20 seconds left, after drawing a shooting foul with his foot on the three-point line, forced the final sequence that ultimately ended in heartbreak.
Concerns about White disrupting the Bulls' chemistry proved to be nonsense. He completed his assignment exactly as Donovan expected, providing scoring punch, playmaking and the ability to get to the free-throw line.
"I felt stronger as the game progressed," White said postgame. Although the medical staff cleared him for exceeding the minute restriction, White told CHSN that he won't play back-to-back in Denver on Monday.
Despite the loss, White's return offers hope for a team desperately searching for answers. His performance showcased the scoring prowess the Bulls have missed during their losing streak. If he can maintain this level once fully healthy, Chicago might finally have the offensive weapon needed to close tight games.
"It's a long season," White said when asked about the Bulls' mindset amid the losing streak. "This moment doesn't define us, define who we are. Making sure we hold ourselves accountable as a team, as in 'why are we losing these close games?'"
That accountability starts Monday in Denver, where the Bulls will try to snap their five-game skid without their leading scorer from Sunday night.
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