Billy Donovan says the young Bulls need to go through these clutch missteps

"These guys are just going to have to go through it."

© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls may be headlined by the likes of veterans DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic, but the team’s young studs of Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Patrick Williams, and Dalen Terry could be the franchise’s future.

White, in particular, has used this season to take off and showcase his potential as a lead guard. However, despite his promising performances, the fifth-year pro has also had some crucial missteps in late-game situations, such as the errant pass he threw in the dying seconds of their clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.

After the game, head coach Billy Donovan addressed White’s error and emphasized the importance of going through these tough moments for the team’s young players.

Experience needed to grow

As the saying goes, experience is the best teacher, and the Chicago Bulls’ young core is learning this firsthand. Despite the 108-105 loss to the Cavs, White showed off his entire repertoire, producing 32 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal.

“It’s what some of our younger guys need,” Donovan said of the Bulls’ tough loss to the Cavs.

“At the end, there’s these little things there, and some of these guys are just going to have to go through it.”

Niang fouls out. Sit down son. pic.twitter.com/fhG6ApWHp0

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Pressure creates diamonds

Thrust into more significant responsibilities with several Bulls out for extended periods due to severe injuries, White and Dosunmu have stepped up. This month, White is averaging 22.6 points and 6.6 assists, while Dosunmu, who has been starting in place of the injured Williams, is norming 16.4 points and 3.8 assists per game.

As the Bulls continue looking for wins to move up in the Eastern Conference standings, White is confident the tough times will strengthen the team in the long run.

“These moments are good for us,” White said.

“We’ve got to find a way to get over the hump. I think we will.”

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

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

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