BOSTON – Monday night was not kind to Coby White, as the Bulls guard returned from yet another calf injury only to struggle in limited minutes against a formidable Boston Celtics squad.

White, who was restricted in playing time due to minutes management, shot just 2-of-7 from the floor in a 115-101 loss that left Chicago searching for answers amid growing trade speculation.

“It’s pretty tough being in and out of the lineup, knowing you can only play a certain amount of minutes throughout the entire night,” White said, reflecting on the challenge of adapting to limited availability while trying to impact the game.

“It gets tough when you’re out there and you look up, ‘Damn, I only got like two minutes left and I know I’m coming out,’” he added, illustrating the mental strain of balancing effectiveness with restrictions.

Despite the disappointing performance, White maintained confidence, emphasizing that this setback is temporary and part of the larger process of returning to form after multiple injuries.

“I’m trying to figure it out,” White said. “I’ll figure it out,” signaling a mindset focused on perseverance and resilience, even amid a Bulls team struggling to find consistency this season.

When asked why he believes he can overcome challenges, White was matter-of-fact: “Cause I always do. My kind of resume speaks for itself, I always figure it out,” pointing to his history of bouncing back from adversity.

Whether he will continue to do so as a member of the Bulls remains uncertain, particularly as trade rumors heat up ahead of the upcoming deadline, but White’s mindset appears undeterred.

Monday’s game, however, provided little suspense for fans watching the Bulls attempt to slow down a Celtics team that remains dangerous even without injured star Jayson Tatum.

Coach Billy Donovan emphasized in the pregame the need to disrupt Boston’s rhythm from long range and limit offensive rebounds, warning that the Celtics’ IQ and shooting ability can punish even a healthy opponent.

Unfortunately for Chicago, early execution failed, as the Celtics quickly established dominance, exploiting both the Bulls’ defensive lapses and offensive struggles in the first quarter.

The opening stanza was slow from both sides, with Boston leading only 14-11 six minutes in, but over the final five minutes of the quarter, the Celtics went on a decisive 17-3 run.

During that stretch, three Bulls starters finished the first quarter scoreless, setting the tone for a night of offensive inconsistency that would plague the team throughout the game.

Chicago’s offensive struggles continued into the second quarter, with the Bulls managing just 19 points while Boston held them under 20 for the second consecutive quarter, demonstrating the Celtics’ defensive discipline even without Tatum.

From that point forward, the game devolved into a three-point contest, a scenario in which the Bulls were ill-equipped to keep pace with Boston’s efficient shooting and strong rebounding presence.

The Celtics, despite missing their All-Star forward, proved that a high basketball IQ, depth, and smart spacing can offset the absence of a single star player, making them a formidable opponent against any team.

Coach Donovan remarked on Boston’s depth, noting, “When you lose great players it’s always going to impact your team, but they’ve had very good personnel. I was very surprised at the beginning of the year where a lot of people had them picked lower in the standings.”

He continued, praising Boston’s balanced approach: “They have a really high-level IQ team, a good shooting team. When you have a big-time scorer that goes out like that it doesn’t necessarily fall on just one guy. Everybody kind of shares in that so to speak.”

The Bulls attempted to mount a late push in the final minutes, led by standout performances from Matas Buzelis, who finished with 26 points and hit a corner three to bring the team within 11 points with just over four minutes remaining.

Neemias Queta contributed with a dunk on the ensuing possession, followed by Nikola Vucevic hitting a three-pointer, demonstrating that Chicago’s stars could make sporadic impacts, though not enough to alter the game’s outcome.

Boston’s Derrick White responded immediately with a three-pointer of his own, showcasing the Celtics’ ability to maintain momentum and respond to runs, an attribute that has made them one of the league’s most consistent teams.

Queta effectively sealed the game with a late three-point play after drawing a foul on Buzelis with 1:28 left, leaving Donovan no choice but to clear the bench in the final moments of the game.

The final statistics reflected the Bulls’ difficulties: Chicago shot just 16-of-46 (35%) from three-point range, while Boston went 20-of-52 (38%) and dominated the glass, winning the offensive rebound battle 20-6.

Beyond the numbers, the game highlighted broader concerns for Chicago, including depth, floor spacing, and the team’s ability to compete consistently against high-IQ, disciplined opponents.

Coby White’s limited minutes, compounded by prior injuries and management decisions, illustrate the broader challenges facing the Bulls as they attempt to navigate the remainder of a season where trade rumors and roster questions loom large.

Even amid adversity, White’s optimism stands out as a focal point for a team searching for identity and leadership on and off the floor, demonstrating resilience that could be critical if roster changes occur at the trade deadline.

The Bulls’ struggle against a “handicapped” Boston roster underscores the gap between Chicago and some of the league’s more cohesive and strategically advanced teams, highlighting the work required to elevate their ceiling.

For Donovan, the message is clear: while individual performances matter, success against disciplined, intelligent teams requires collective execution, attention to detail, and adaptability—areas in which the Bulls still have room to grow.

Looking forward, Chicago’s front office faces critical decisions regarding trades, minutes management, and long-term roster construction, with players like White and Queta likely to be central figures in any evaluation process.

Monday’s loss, while frustrating, provides a clear illustration of the team’s strengths and weaknesses, offering a roadmap for adjustments needed to compete effectively in a league defined by strategic depth and versatile offensive schemes.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Bulls will need to weigh roster flexibility, player health, and potential upgrades, balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term development goals.

Ultimately, the takeaway from this game is that even when top players return from injury, success against disciplined, high-IQ teams like the Celtics requires more than individual talent; it demands cohesion, strategic execution, and consistency.

For Coby White, the challenge is personal as well as team-oriented: he must navigate injury management, limited minutes, and trade speculation while continuing to demonstrate that he can contribute meaningfully when on the floor.

Despite the struggles and speculation, White’s mindset remains a positive note for a Bulls team in transition, showing that leadership, resilience, and confidence can persist even in difficult circumstances.