Coby White Leads Bulls’ Comeback Victory Over Kings
Coby White delivered a stellar performance, scoring 31 of his 35 points in the second half, as the Chicago Bulls overcame a 19-point deficit to secure a 128-116 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night. White was instrumental in the Bulls’ comeback, knocking down 13 of 14 free throws, and also contributing with key plays in the fourth quarter. Kevin Huerter added 25 points, hitting five 3-pointers, while also recording seven assists and four steals. Nikola Vucevic played a crucial role, scoring 24 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, and dishing out eight assists, including hitting four of five from beyond the arc.
Sacramento was led by Malik Monk, who had a season-high 34 points, including five 3-pointers, and Trey Lyles, who contributed 22 points with four made 3-pointers. DeMar DeRozan also contributed 22 points and became the 27th player in NBA history to reach 25,000 career points with a mid-range jumper late in the third quarter.
The Kings (35-34) started the game hot from beyond the arc, with Monk sinking five 3-pointers in the opening 6:42 of the game and Lyles adding four more after subbing in. Sacramento finished the first quarter with 11 made 3-pointers and led 39-28. They continued to dominate, extending their lead to 59-40 early in the second period. However, the Bulls (30-40) began to recover, focusing on attacking the paint through Vucevic, reducing the deficit to 64-55 by halftime.
Chicago turned the tide in the third quarter, outscoring Sacramento 37-25 to take a 92-89 lead heading into the final period. In the fourth quarter, Monk, Zach LaVine, and Jake LaRavia kept the Kings within striking distance, but a technical foul on Monk with 5:03 left in the game gave the Bulls an opening. White took full advantage, continuing his hot shooting and attacking the rim. Consecutive 3-pointers from Huerter within 36 seconds sealed the deal for the Bulls, dashing Sacramento’s hopes of a late comeback.
