In a thrilling NBA Eastern Conference play-in tournament game, the Chicago Bulls triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks with a commanding score of 131-116 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. This victory propels the Bulls into the next round, where they will vie against the Miami Heat for the final playoff berth in the East.
The standout performer of the night was undoubtedly Coby White, whose exceptional performance left fans and opponents alike in awe. White shot an impressive 15-for-21 from the field, culminating in a career-high 42 points for the Bulls. Demonstrating remarkable efficiency, four of his five made shots were from beyond the arc, showcasing his ability to dominate both from the perimeter and off the dribble. Regardless of the defensive strategies employed by the Hawks, White navigated through the defense with ease, proving to be an unstoppable force on the court.
The Bulls have struggled to meet expectations since assembling their \"Big Three\" of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic in August 2021. This season, LaVine was limited to just 25 appearances due to injuries and disagreements with the front office, creating a significant gap in the team's arsenal. Entering as the seventh pick in the 2019 draft, White has earned the trust of coach Billy Donovan by starting in 78 of 79 regular-season games. He currently averages 19.1 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.6 triples per game, with a shooting percentage of 37.6%.
White's remarkable performance against the Hawks not only underscores his growing importance to the Bulls but also ignites hope among fans for a deeper playoff run. As the Bulls prepare to face the Heat, all eyes will be on White to continue his stellar form and lead the team towards success in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.
Reference(s):
NBA highlights on April 17: Coby White makes Bulls forget Zach LaVine
cgtn.com
