© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Coby White on taking the last shot vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers
As the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers battled it out in the final stages of the fourth quarter, the stage was set for veteran wingman DeMar DeRozan to shine and secure the victory. However, in an unexpected turn of events, fifth-year guard Coby White rose to the occasion and took the Bulls' final shot.
And while the former Tar Heel couldn’t sink a three-pointer that would have tied the game and sent it to overtime, the experience was significant for him, as he expressed in his post-game interview.
Earned the team’s trust
This season has seen White break out and become one of the league’s fastest-rising stars. Handed the reins to the team as the starting point guard, White has taken advantage of every opportunity, averaging 19.4 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. On Wednesday against the Cavs, White was on fire, producing 32 points, including five triples.
Unfortunately for the Bulls, White couldn’t make one more long distance shot that would have given them another shot at topping the Eastern Conference powerhouse. Still, to be given such a responsibility meant a lot to the Goldsboro, North Carolina native.
“It means a lot that Coach trusts me, that my teammates trust me. Obviously, I’m pretty pissed that I didn’t make the shot,” White said.
White added that as hurtful as the loss is, this is a learning experience for him and the entire team.
“It’s learning moments. Just looking back and reflecting on this year and past years, the steps I’ve made to be trusted in those moments is huge for me. But I’m pissed off I didn’t make the shot. I got a pretty good look at it,” White continued.
DeMar doesn’t mind
DeRozan has been the Bulls’ closer ever since he signed with the team in 2021. When it comes to big moments, the ball almost always ends up in his hands. But in this game, White was given the opportunity to take the last shot. Despite missing it, DeRozan expressed nothing but confidence and support for his young teammate.
“I love it. I wish it went in for him. Cob deserves those moments. He’s a big-time player, big-time shotmaker and creator,” DeRozan said.
“That was the shot. He asked me if he could’ve taken another dribble or pump fake. Man, I live with that shot 100 times a day.”
