Chicago Bulls secured an exhilarating 125 to 115 victory over the Toronto Raptors on February 28, 2025, thanks to Coby White's heroics, including pivotal plays down the stretch.
During the regular season contest, the Bulls showcased their resilience, rallying from behind to claim the win, extending their playoff ambitions. With only four seconds left on the clock, White executed a remarkable four-point play to tie the game at 110, forcing overtime. This clutch moment became the defining play of the match, igniting the home crowd and setting the tone for the extra period.
Lonzo Ball contributed significantly during overtime, hitting two quick three-pointers, propelling Chicago to lead by as much as ten points with a 10-2 run. This surge solidified their control of the game and cemented their victory.
White finished the night with 24 points overall, exemplifying determination as he blended scoring with strategic plays. "It was nerve-wracking, but we knew we had to stick together and push through to the end," White said after the game.
On the opposing side, Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 24 points and contributed 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Despite his valiant effort, Toronto faltered down the stretch, losing their third straight game and eight out of their last 11. Immanuel Quickley added 23 points before fouling out just one minute from the conclusion of the overtime period.
Throughout the match, the Raptors appeared to have the upper hand initially, leading by as much as 13 points at one stage. They dominated the first half and entered halftime with the score standing at 63-54, courtesy of a solid ten-point run at the start of the second quarter.
Nevertheless, Toronto's performance was marred by missed opportunities and costly mistakes as they allowed the Bulls to creep back. The Raptors scored only 5 points after leading 101-88 with nine minutes remaining before Chicago executed a pivotal 12-0 run, reclaiming momentum.
"We had control, but it slipped away from us, especially with those turnovers late," Barnes commented, reflecting on the game’s turning point.
For the Bulls, Josh Giddey also made his mark, scoring 19 points and dishing out 12 assists, complemented by Zach Collins, who put up impressive numbers of 15 points and 13 rebounds. Despite being short-handed without Nikola Vucevic (sidelined due to injury), Chicago’s depth became evident as they found ways to score, particularly off the Raptors' mistakes. The Bulls capitalized on 24 points derived from turnovers.
The Bulls had been struggling with injuries, as Vucevic was absent for the third straight game, which was palpable on the boards where they were outrebounded 51-45 overall. Missing their starting center forced coach Billy Donovan to find creative solutions with lineup adjustments, including more prominence for Collins and Giddey.
"It was gritty—everyone had to step up, especially with Nikola out," Collins noted. "We just fought until the end, and it paid off. Our ability to stay engaged was key."
For Toronto, the loss highlighted the frustrations of their season. While they showed flashes of offensive brilliance, consistent execution remains elusive. The Raptors now find themselves 18-41, struggling to discover their rhythm just as the Bulls, now sitting at 23-36, aim for the final play-in spots for the playoffs.
After the game, the Bulls switched their focus to their next matchup, facing the Indiana Pacers on March 2, whereas the Raptors will travel to Orlando on the same day. The upcoming games present opportunities for both teams to address their respective challenges. Chicago seeks to build momentum, and Toronto hopes for redemption.
“It’s just about how we respond now,” Barnes added, signaling his determination to turn around his team's fortunes quickly. Both teams now brace for their next contests, knowing the importance of every game as the season reaches its final stretch.