Coby White scored 31 of his 35 points after halftime as the Chicago Bulls overturned a 19-point deficit to defeat the host Sacramento Kings 128-116 on Thursday night.
White knocked down 13 of 14 free throws, while Kevin Huerter added 25 points — including 5 of 9 3-pointers — seven assists and four steals, and Nikola Vucevic nailed 4 of 5 from downtown as he compiled 24 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists.
Malik Monk produced a season-high 34 points for Sacramento, including five 3-pointers, Trey Lyles contributed 22 points, including four 3-pointers, and DeMar DeRozan finished with 22.
With 1:56 remaining in the third quarter, DeRozan connected on a trademark mid-range jumper to become the sixth active player and 27th in NBA history to reach 25,000 career points.
The Kings (35-34) were unstoppable from outside early as they built a healthy lead.
Monk buried five 3-pointers inside the opening 6:42, before Lyles hit 4 of 4 from downtown after subbing in with 4:45 left.
Sacramento hit 11 of 17 3-pointers among its 12 field goals to lead 39-28 after the opening quarter.
The home side’s advantage stretched to 59-40 in the second period as Chicago (30-40) struggled to find answers defensively.
But the Kings’ perimeter-shooting exhibition slowed and the Bulls attacked the paint through Vucevic at the other end, reducing the gap to 64-55 at halftime.
Chicago seized control in the third frame, outscoring Sacramento 37-25 to take a 92-89 lead into the last quarter.
Monk, Zach LaVine and Jake LaRavia kept the Kings within touching distance in the fourth, before a technical foul against Monk with 5:03 left triggered Chicago’s strong late flourish.
White continued to prove a menace from the outside and when attacking the cup, before consecutive Kevin Huerter 3-pointers in the space of 36 seconds ended Sacramento’s hopes.
–Field Level Media
As defending national champion, No. 1 seed South Carolina was guaranteed to get opponents’ best shot through the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Friday’s Sweet 16 matchup in Birmingham Region 2 with…
Defense will be top of mind for both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns when the teams tip off Friday night in Minneapolis. Minnesota (41-32) will return to the court…
The NBA and FIBA will jointly explore the creation of a new professional league in Europe, NBA commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA secretary general Andreas Zaglkis announced on Thursday. Silver…
Suns, Timberwolves turn focus to defense ahead of matchup
NBA teams with FIBA to explore European league
NBA abandons All-Star tourney format
Top prospect Aaliyah Chavez commits to Oklahoma