Last night, after the Bulls somehow pulled off the stressful victory in Portland, head coach Billy Donovan was asked a thought-provoking question regarding Coby White. White had missed the 11 games of this season due to a calf injury, returned on Sunday in Utah, and played in his second contest tonight. Off the bench in limited minutes, he's averaging 26 points and 7.5 assists per night and has immediately integrated himself into the rotation. After whispers that the Bulls should possibly trade him because they were experiencing success without his services and have a surplus of talented young guards, two limited outings have instantly quieted all the buzz. When asked who Chicago's closer would be moving forward, he gave yet another reason the Bulls cannot part ways with the former Tar Heel guard.
Coby White Makes Plays
Donovan was asked if his newly returned point guard would be the go-to guy down the stretch in games, referencing the glaring need the team has in that space. Chicago's head coach acknowledged that he recognizes White is not at the level of Donovan Mitchell or Giannis Antetokounmpo in terms of taking over a game in late situations, and added that Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan controlled the majority of those moments in previous seasons. Without giving a direct answer to who would be the lone man they'd be leaning on, he referenced Josh Giddey and Coby White as players who can create a shot for themselves or their teammates, score at any level, and make a play when needed. He did end his response by confirming that he's "confident with Coby White having the ball in his hands late."
COBY WHITE GETS THE TIE-UP.
— NBA (@NBA) November 17, 2025
COBY WHITE WINS THE TAP.
COBY WHITE TIES THE GAME.
In his season debut... Coby White absolutely takes over to force double-overtime 🤯 pic.twitter.com/eNhTyJLD8X
Finding His Stride Quickly
White's return has shown no signs of reacclimation. Through two limited outings off the pine, he's scored 14 points in the fourth quarter or overtime, and had last night's game-clinching assist. His impact down the stretch cannot be understated, and his ability to return to his usual standard of play this rapidly is impressive. When he's physically able to return to his regular minutes, this will be a dangerous team primed for a playoff hunt.
Coby White in two games this season:
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 20, 2025
27 PTS — 8 AST — 4 REB — 30 MIN
25 PTS — 7 AST — 1 REB — 27 MIN pic.twitter.com/wSSYD1Ph10
Whether it's Josh Giddey with the ball in his hands late or Coby White, the Bulls are in good hands with two premier scoring, facilitating options at the helm. Unlike the LaVine and DeRozan years, as evidenced in last night's final play, these two closers will confidently drop a game-winning dime and find the best shot on the floor.
