37+36+35! What Level Is Coby White Playing at Right Now?

Coby White has been absolutely on fire lately. The Chicago Bulls’ young guard has been delivering one explosive performance after another, and there’s no denying that his level of play has reached new heights. In just the past few games, White has not only been putting up impressive numbers but has been doing so with remarkable efficiency and consistency. His performances have helped elevate the Bulls, and with a stat line of 37, 36, and 35 points in consecutive games, it’s time to take a closer look at just how far Coby White has come and what level he’s truly playing at now.

In the Bulls’ recent 129-119 victory over the Denver Nuggets, White was the undisputed star, putting up a career-high 37 points in 39 minutes of action. This performance was especially noteworthy given the absence of the Nuggets’ stars, Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon. While Denver was missing key players, it wasn’t just a matter of facing a depleted team; it was about the fact that White played like a true star, efficiently scoring and contributing all over the floor. He shot 10-of-22 from the field, 5-of-10 from deep, and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line, adding 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and a +16 plus-minus rating.

This performance came just one game after White dropped 36 points in a dominant win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Bulls were on the road, and White put up 12-of-17 shooting, including 6-of-9 from beyond the arc. He also contributed 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals, leading the Bulls to a 146-116 victory, where they outscored the Lakers by 30 points. The fact that White was able to maintain such efficiency and produce under the bright lights of the Staples Center (now known as Crypto.com Arena) is a testament to his growth as a player. His +28 plus-minus was the highest on the team, showing just how impactful he was during the game.

While the Nuggets’ game might have been a good showing, it’s the Lakers’ contest that truly highlights White’s progression. Facing a full-strength Lakers team, including superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, White’s performance was not only impressive because of the scoring, but also because of his efficiency. He showed that he’s capable of stepping up in big moments against elite competition, something that many players fail to do, especially early in their careers.

Before these back-to-back performances, White had another massive game on the road, this time against the Sacramento Kings. He dropped 35 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including 2-of-5 from three, and added 5 assists. This time, it was a second-half explosion where he scored 31 of his 35 points, leading the Bulls to a 128-116 comeback win over the Kings. His ability to step up in high-pressure moments and deliver is a major indicator of his growth as both a scorer and a leader on the court.

What stands out the most about these three games isn’t just the scoring but the fact that White has done this consistently. He’s not just one of those players who has an occasional hot streak and then fades away; White has been absolutely locked in. Since March began, he’s been averaging 29.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game over a span of 13 games, shooting 49.4% from the field, 35.0% from three, and an impressive 89.9% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage is a blistering 63.0%, which is elite by any standard. This level of production has positioned him as the 7th-highest scorer in the league during that stretch.

White’s ability to consistently score over 20 points in 13 straight games is an incredible achievement in itself, and it speaks volumes about his offensive game. In that stretch, White has been on a tear, including a 44-point performance against the Orlando Magic, where he shot 16-of-28 from the field and 7-of-15 from three. These performances haven’t been flukes or one-off games; they’ve been a consistent display of offensive brilliance.

Beyond the individual achievements, it’s clear that White’s play has had a direct impact on the Bulls’ success. In the last 13 games, Chicago has won 9 of them, and when White is on the court, the Bulls have outscored their opponents by 7.6 points per 100 possessions. In fact, when White and Josh Giddey share the floor, the Bulls have posted an eye-popping 126.5 points per 100 possessions, and they have outscored opponents by 18.7 points per 100 possessions. This dynamic pairing between White and Giddey, who is also having a breakout season, has been a major factor in the Bulls’ recent surge.

It’s not just about the scoring, though. White has shown improvement in his overall game, particularly as a playmaker. In his recent hot streak, his assist numbers have risen, and he’s become a more well-rounded player. Whether it’s creating shots for himself or setting up teammates, White has found a balance between scoring and facilitating. He’s not just the guy who shoots the ball; he’s the guy who makes plays for others and runs the offense when needed.

Another important factor in White’s development has been the addition of Giddey to the Bulls' roster. Giddey, a tall and skilled point guard known for his vision and passing, has provided White with a reliable partner in the backcourt. This tandem has been devastating for opponents, as Giddey’s playmaking ability allows White to focus more on scoring while still benefiting from Giddey’s ability to set him up for easy shots. The two of them have shown great chemistry on the court, and as the season has progressed, that partnership has only gotten stronger.

Coby White’s rise to prominence comes at a time when the Bulls’ front office is looking for answers regarding their future direction. With DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine potentially on the trade block, White has shown that he is ready to be the centerpiece of the team moving forward. His playmaking, scoring, and defensive improvement make him a complete package, and the fact that he’s still just 25 years old suggests that the best is yet to come for him.

To put it all into perspective, White’s play this season has been nothing short of exceptional. After signing a three-year, $36 million extension with the Bulls last season, White has turned out to be an absolute bargain for Chicago. With a cap hit of just $12 million this season, White is playing at a level that is well above his contract, and it’s clear that the Bulls have gotten incredible value for their investment in him.

When we look at White’s stats this season, we see an average of 20.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, shooting 44.6% from the field, 36.4% from three, and 89.9% from the free-throw line. These numbers are a marked improvement from his previous seasons, especially considering how much he has improved as a scorer. His growth over the past few years has been steady, and the jump he’s made this season solidifies him as one of the top young guards in the league.

If we compare White’s numbers to his past two seasons, it’s clear just how far he has come. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists with a 57.0% true shooting percentage. The previous season, he averaged 9.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists with a 57.2% true shooting percentage. The jump from a solid rotational player to one of the team’s leading scorers and primary playmakers is a testament to White’s work ethic and ability to adapt to the demands of the NBA.

While it’s still early in his career, Coby White’s recent performances are proving that he’s ready to take the next step and become a cornerstone of the Chicago Bulls. He’s no longer just a promising young guard; he’s a legitimate player capable of leading a team, and his all-around game is reaching new heights. Given his age, his contract, and the way he’s playing right now, the future looks incredibly bright for White and the Bulls. The next step for him will be to continue his dominance and potentially make an All-Star appearance in the near future, a feat that seemed unlikely not too long ago. But with the way he’s been playing, it’s hard not to believe that Coby White’s best days are ahead of him.