Bulls’ Coby White ‘More In Tune,’ And It’s Showing In Unsung Performances

December 16, 2024

Coby White’s night didn’t exactly scream “game-changer” at first glance. In fact, the first basket didn’t come until 8:42 into the opening quarter, a 3-pointer off an assist from Bulls teammate Patrick Williams assist.

By halftime, White had only one shot attempt and no points. But as the old saying goes, it’s not how you start — it’s how you finish.

By the time the third quarter ended, White had seized control of the game, leading the Bulls to a 122-121 victory over the Raptors.

With the Bulls’ backcourt already missing Zach LaVine (back) and Josh Giddey leaving with an ankle injury, White didn’t try to play hero ball. Instead, he played the long game—and it paid off.

The third quarter saw White put up seven points, dish out two assists, and even grab a steal, finishing the period with a team-high plus-11.

“Coby’s way more in tune with his body now,” said Bulls head coach Billy Donovan. “He understands the length of the season, and he knows how to manage it.”

The approach was different from last season, when White, playing heavy starting minutes for the first time, hit a wall after the All-Star Break. His shooting efficiency plummeted as fatigue set in, dropping from nearly 40% from three-point range to 32%.

White, a known workhorse, had to learn a valuable lesson: more work isn’t always the answer.

“I think the biggest thing is the balance,” Donovan added. “Coby’s always worked hard, but now he’s learning how to change his routine to manage the grind.”

White’s maturity showed late in the game. With the Bulls’ 16-point lead whittled down to just one with 2:28 remaining, White remained calm.

He hit a finger roll to push the lead back to three, and after an assist to Nikola Vucevic for a crucial baby hook with 14 seconds left, the game was all but sealed.

It’s this kind of growth that makes White’s 2024-25 season feel different. His consistency is becoming his trademark, not a stat line that blows up the box score.

As Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times noted, White’s not focused on numbers—he’s focused on winning and finishing strong. And on Monday night, he did just that.