Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan highlighted Coby White’s performance following Saturday’s 125-107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at the United Center.
“I thought in the second half he had his pop back, looked explosive, was getting the spots, really good in transition, and defending. He looked good physically,” Donovan said about White.
White scored 22 points as the Bulls snapped a three-game losing streak with one of their most balanced offensive efforts of the season. Donovan explained his rotation strategy, noting, “We talked about the rotation. For him to get his body right, I thought a longer stint would be better. I brought him back a little early, he got three stints, but the plan was two.”
The coach also credited the team’s attention to offensive rebounding. “We’re trying to focus on it all year long. Isaac’s always been a very good offensive rebounder. Matas is making conscientious efforts to go to the backboard. Patrick and Julian try to keep balls alive. Those extra possessions helped us in the first quarter.”
Chicago’s transition game was another focal point. Donovan said, “They play fast too, so when you go against another team that plays fast, it’s easy to get that kind of created. When we did get stops and clean rebounds, we did a really good job of spacing the floor and getting out there. We shared the ball very well.”
Ayo Dosunmu added 20 points, Nikola Vucevic and Matas Buzelis each contributed 15, and seven players reached double figures in a game where Chicago outscored Dallas 38-8 in fast-break points.
Donovan emphasized the White’s focus on endurance and physical preparation, adding, “He’s been trying to work to get his body feeling like it normally does. In the second half, you could see it; he looked really good, both physically and in his decision-making.”
The coach also noted that consistent rotations and ball movement were key to the team’s rhythm. “When we get out like that, six, seven, eight guys in double figures, that’s when we see really balanced production and tempo advantage.”
The Bulls improved to 18-20 on the season and will head to Houston on Tuesday. The Mavericks, who played without Anthony Davis and saw Jason Kidd ejected early, fall to 14-25 and will host Brooklyn on Monday.
