In a thrilling overtime game, the Chicago Bulls defeated the Charlotte Hornets 119-112, led by Coby White’s standout 27-point performance in his home state during Monday night’s NBA action.
“It’s always fun to come back home and see everybody who supported me throughout my career,” White said.
Andre Drummond also shone with 21 points and 15 rebounds. Despite a formidable 39 points from Terry Rozier, the Hornets fell short. Nikola Vucevic contributed significantly with 21 points and nine rebounds, marking his second game post-injury. This win marked the Bulls’ second triumph over the Hornets within four days, improving their record to 17-21.
With his impressive seven 3-pointers and flawless free-throw record, Rozier couldn’t prevent the Hornets’ slump, as the team, now at 8-26, lost 13 of their last 14 games.
“The longer the game went on, they did what they did in Chicago — they committed the second defender to Terry in every situation, and with the guys we have right now, it’s not easy,” Hornets coach Steve Clifford said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets, Coby White, Chicago Bulls Updates
Injuries have sidelined key Hornets players, including starters LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, and Gordon Hayward, and reserves P.J. Washington and Cody Martin.
“The longer the game went on, they did what they did in Chicago — they committed the second defender to Terry in every situation, and with the guys we have right now, it’s not easy,” Clifford said.
The Bulls started overtime strongly, scoring the first eight points, but the Hornets kept the pressure on. Unfortunately for Charlotte, crucial shots from Nick Smith Jr. and Miles Bridges didn’t find their mark in the closing moments.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets, Coby White, Chicago Bulls Updates
Rozier, closely guarded by Alex Caruso, couldn’t maintain his scoring streak in overtime. Hornets coach Steve Clifford acknowledged the strategic challenges faced without their key players.
“It is just so tough to contain him,” White said of Rozier. “He hit the back rim a couple of times in overtime, and I thought those shots were down. He gets buckets; that is what he does.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets, Coby White, Chicago Bulls Updates
Meanwhile, Bulls coach Billy Donovan highlighted the team’s adjustments with players returning from injuries, emphasizing the need for chemistry and cohesiveness. Chicago’s dominance in the paint, outscoring the Hornets 62-42, was a key factor in their victory.
“I appreciate what Andre has done in the absence of Zach and Vuc,” Donovan said. “It’s always a little bit funky when you have guys coming back into the rotation. We got all of these guys coming back and we have to find a chemistry and cohesiveness.”
Looking ahead, the Bulls will host the Houston Rockets, while the Hornets will face the Sacramento Kings in their next games on Wednesday night.
