"I was too frantic" - Coby White on the costly turnover that denied them a chance at retaking the lead late in the game vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers

White knows there’s more room to get better.

© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

While there is no doubt Chicago Bulls guard Coby White is a rising star in the NBA, his game remains a work in progress, and he’ll be the first to admit that. Despite scoring 32 points against the best defensive team in the league, the Cleveland Cavaliers, White was more focused on the turnover he committed with 17 seconds remaining that denied the Bulls a chance at reclaiming the lead in a game they lost 108-105.

Slow down and make the right read

Down one, 104-103, White grabbed the rebound off an Isaac Okoro miss, dribbled up the floor, and got a pick from Nikola Vucevic. The former Tar Heel found space to drive down the middle and gain the attention of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.

That meant Vucevic was wide open on the roll on the right side. However, White read the situation wrong and, thinking Vooch would pop out for a triple, threw a strong pass that went through the latter’s hands and out of bounds.

It was a turnover White couldn’t let go of even inside the locker room, where he and DeMar DeRozan reviewed the fateful play.

"Just slow down. I was sped up in the moment. I think if I slow down, I can make the right read," White said.

"I thought Vooch was going to pop to the 3. He made the right play by coming in because I had took on (Evan) Mobley. I knew he was going to be hard to finish over. So if I put the pass on the money, (Vucevic) got a layup or one of those little floaters that is automatic. My intention was right finding Vooch because he was open. I took DG (Darius Garland) and Mobley. I just gotta make that pass. I gotta slow down. I was too frantic."

Horrible turnover by the Bulls when down 1 point. pic.twitter.com/qCnrmtfTdU

— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) February 15, 2024

Use the experience to be better

The defeat spoiled a spectacular game for White, who had 32 points—23 coming in the second half. He made all but six of his 17 attempts, including five triples. He also had seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal in the losing effort. Nevertheless, White sees the miscue as an opportunity to learn and improve.

"These moments define the game, so I’ve got to take it on the chin and be better the next time," White said.

"Nothing can prepare you, except for going through them."

Coby took the defense dancing 🕺@NBCSChicago | @CobyWhite pic.twitter.com/MKhXACNNeo

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 15, 2024

Coby White and Georges Niang locked horns in a heated spat during the Bulls-Cavs game