Coby White's monster game leads Bulls into rematch with Heat

Atlanta Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter (12) defends Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) during the first quarter during a play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs at United Center.

Dejounte Murray and Trae Young have both been All-Stars. But it was Coby White who looked like a superstar in the Bulls’ play-in win over the Hawks.

White’s breakout season, in which he more than doubled his scoring to 19.1 points per game, culminated in a 42-point, nine-rebound, six-assist performance as the Bulls defeated the Hawks, 131-116.

Atlanta simply couldn’t slow down White at all, as he played a nearly-perfect game. Not only did White go for 42 points, he shot 15-for-21 and didn’t turn the ball over once.

He emphasized that in his words to his teammates during the second half. Not only did he have his first 40-point game, he did it while mic’d up.

Some of the lackluster defense came from a banged-up Hawks team that wasn’t all that strong defensively while fully healthy. But also, when White was shooting this well, no defense could stop him.

Now the Most Improved Player candidate will lead Chicago to face the Miami Heat on an even bigger stage. Fans may not have noticed White’s excellence on the ninth-place Bulls team this year, but if he plays anywhere close to this Friday, he’ll be impossible to ignore.

Want more articles like this? Follow Yardbarker on MSN to see more of our exclusive NBA content.

More must-reads:

Trending slideshow: Chicago’s all-time greatest high school basketball players (Provided by Yardbarker)