CHICAGO (AP) — Coby White scored 24 points, including a clutch four-point play, and the Bulls rallied to beat the Toronto Raptors 125-115 in overtime on Friday night. White completed his biggest play of the night with four seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 110 and set up the extra period, during which Lonzo Ball made two pivotal 3-pointers, helping Chicago secure the lead.
Josh Giddey also contributed significantly for the Bulls, tallying 19 points and 12 assists, along with Zach Collins who scored 15 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. On the other side, Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 24 points, but the team succumbed to their third consecutive loss and their ninth defeat out of the last eleven games. Immanuel Quickley added 23 points for Toronto before fouling out just one minute in overtime.
The Raptors initially established control of the game, leading 101-88 with nine minutes remaining. They appeared on track after securing a 63-54 halftime lead following an opening 10-2 run early in the second quarter. Despite this lead, the Bulls managed to mount their comeback with force, registering a 12-0 run over the next 4:30.
According to reports, "The Raptors seemed to be in control most of the night but doomed themselves with mistakes and missed shots as the Bulls crept closer late in the game." The Bulls capitalized on these opportunities by scoring 24 points off turnovers, highlighting their ability to turn defensive plays to offensive advantages.
One pivotal moment came as the clock ticked down to just four seconds remaining, with the Bulls trailing 110-106. Coby White's emphatic three-pointer, along with being fouled by Quickley, turned the tide. Fans who were about to leave the arena erupted, drawing energy back as White's shot connected. The sentiment echoed when it was reported: "Key moment: More than a few Bulls fans headed to the exits after Toronto went up 110-106, but those who stayed roared when White made the 3-pointer and got fouled by Quickley."
When overtime began, the dynamic shifted entirely. The Bulls opened with aggressive momentum, with Ball sinking two successful three-pointers during the initial moments of overtime, leading to a 10-2 run and establishing their control. The Bulls ended the overtime period strong, outscoring the Raptors 15-5.
Despite struggling from behind the arc throughout the game, making only 13 of 49 attempts, the Bulls found their rhythm at the most opportune moment. "The Bulls were 13 for 49 from behind the arc but got the biggest long shot of the night when they needed it most," encapsulated the moment when every point felt significant.
After Ball's corner three-pointer, which was both exciting and pivotal, announcers from the Chicago Sports Network could not contain their enthusiasm, singing lyrics from LiAngelo Ball’s hit, "Tweaker," as humor fell over the crowd. Announcers shared their sentiments: "We kept it on the low for a awhile. We didn’t bring it up. We brought back 'Tweaker' when we thought it was appropriate,” allowing fans to enjoy both the game and the moments in between.
Following this thrilling victory, the Bulls will next face the Indiana Pacers, aiming to carry this momentum forward. The Raptors, dealing with their recent slide, will head to Orlando to try to get back on track. Both teams have significant challenges lying ahead, but this game showcased the heart and fight within the Bulls, underscoring their potential for future games.