Coby White Shines as Chicago Bulls Dominate Mavericks 125-107 Without Anthony Davis

By [Your Name], US Sports Reporter

Published: January 11, 2026

After a postponed matchup against the Miami Heat, the Chicago Bulls returned to action with authority, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 125-107 despite the absence of superstar Anthony Davis, who was sidelined with a shoulder injury.

The game coincided with the NFC Wild Card clash between the Bears and Packers across town, but the Bulls made sure to command the spotlight with an aggressive offensive performance and balanced contributions across the roster.

Coby White, returning from a recent calf injury that was expected to keep him out for at least a week, led all scorers with 22 points, showcasing that he is back in form and ready to contribute at a high level.

White also added four rebounds, demonstrating that his impact extended beyond scoring and into defensive and transition play, which had been limited during his recent absence.

Interestingly, White played two minutes over his 25-minute restriction, logging 27:59 minutes, reflecting both his eagerness to rejoin the action and the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to perform safely.

Head coach Billy Donovan praised White’s performance, noting that the guard had his “pop” back in the second half, particularly highlighting his explosiveness, speed, and effectiveness in transition situations.

“I thought in the second half he had his Pop back,” Donovan said. “He looked explosive, was getting to spots, was really good in transition. I thought he was defending. I thought he looked good physically. He’s been trying to work to get his body feeling like it normally does.”

White’s return to form provided a much-needed spark for the Bulls, who were coming off a three-game losing streak and needed a confident performance to regain momentum in the Eastern Conference.

The victory improved Chicago’s record to 18-20, moving them closer to .500 while demonstrating the team’s depth and ability to overcome prior setbacks, including injuries and missed games.

Six other Bulls scored in double figures, highlighting the team’s balanced offensive attack and ability to rely on multiple contributors rather than a single player.

Ayo Dosunmu was second on the team with 20 points and led the way with eight assists, controlling the flow of the game and ensuring that scoring opportunities were spread across the floor.

Dosunmu also connected on three three-pointers out of four attempts, providing long-range scoring that stretched the Mavericks’ defense and opened lanes for penetration and inside scoring.

In addition, Dosunmu’s field goal efficiency was remarkable, shooting 7-for-9 (77.8%) from the floor, reinforcing his status as a key offensive weapon for Chicago and a consistent performer over the past several games.

Dosunmu has now scored in eight consecutive games dating back to December 27 against the Milwaukee Bucks, signaling both consistency and confidence as the Bulls navigate a competitive stretch of the season.

Nikola Vucevic contributed a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds, providing veteran leadership and inside presence, crucial for controlling the boards and creating second-chance opportunities against a team missing a key big man.

Matas Buzelis added 15 points and six rebounds, demonstrating his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor and complement Vucevic’s interior scoring and defensive efforts.

Kevin Huerter, Isaac Okoro, and Tre Jones combined for 13 points each, reflecting the Bulls’ depth and versatility, as well as the team’s ability to distribute scoring responsibilities effectively across multiple positions.

The Bulls benefited from depth returning to the lineup, with both Huerter and Jalen Smith available after previously being listed as questionable on the injured list, allowing Donovan more flexibility in rotations and matchups.

In contrast, the Mavericks were hampered by the absence of Anthony Davis, whose shoulder injury left a massive void in both scoring and defensive presence, making it difficult for Dallas to keep pace with Chicago’s multi-pronged attack.

The Bulls dominated early, establishing a lead that they never relinquished, using defensive pressure and smart ball movement to consistently generate high-percentage shots while limiting Dallas’ offensive efficiency.

Chicago’s bench and rotation depth played a critical role, allowing the starters to maintain intensity while keeping players fresh, a strategic advantage that became more apparent as the game progressed and the Mavericks struggled to respond.

The Bulls’ performance also emphasized team chemistry and resilience, as players returning from injury like White, Huerter, and Smith seamlessly integrated into the lineup, contributing both offensively and defensively.

Overall, Chicago’s victory highlighted the importance of balanced scoring, player health, and strategic rotations, particularly against teams missing key contributors like Anthony Davis, underscoring the value of depth in a long NBA season.

For the Mavericks, the loss will prompt a reassessment of defensive strategies, rebounding, and perimeter coverage, as their inability to contain White, Dosunmu, and other contributors proved costly, especially without Davis anchoring the interior.

Meanwhile, the Bulls can take confidence from a complete team effort, leveraging contributions from both starters and reserves to secure a convincing win and potentially build momentum heading into upcoming games in a highly competitive Eastern Conference.