White returns from calf injury, makes season debut at Utah

Bulls guard Coby White made his season debut Sunday against the Utah Jazz.

He came off the bench with a limit of 24 minutes, which coach Billy Donovan said before the game will be in effect for “several games.”

White, however, wound up playing 30 minutes in a 150-147 double-overtime loss to the Jazz. He scored a team-high 27 points including a driving lay in to send the game to the second extra period.

White has been nursing a right calf strain since August. He missed training camp as the Bulls used an abundance of caution. The team hoped he'd be ready for the regular season opener on Oct. 22, but White felt tightness in the calf when he tried to return to practice.

After that, White was given a few more weeks to continue his rehab. He participated in full practices twice last week — once with the Bulls and once with the G-League's Windy City Bulls. White averaged 20.4 points and 4.5 assists last season.

Guard Josh Giddey also returned Sunday after missing two games with an ankle injury. Guard Tre Jones was scratched with a left ankle impingement.

This game is the start of the quick three-game road trip for the Bulls. They play again Monday in Denver, then Wednesday in Portland, before returning home for games against Miami and Washington this weekend at the United Center.