CHICAGO _ The introduction rang through the United Center, conjuring memories of a star Bulls player from years past.
"From North Carolina ...," the P.A. announcer began, bringing the crowd to its feet for an ovation for rookie guard Coby White.
After coming off the bench for his first 64 games, White received his first career start Tuesday night against the Cavaliers. He finished with a team-high 20 points, dished out five assists and grabbed five rebounds in 38 minutes to lead the Bulls to a 108-103 victory, snapping a three-game losing streak.
White had an uneven night overall. While he ignited the offense with his eighth 20-point game in the last nine, he also committed a season-high nine turnovers.
Even as his season turned during a terrific stretch the previous eight games, White downplayed the significance of making his first start. He insisted his goals for the year did not center on making it into the starting lineup and kept his routine for Tuesday's game the same.
"I wake up and do what I normally do, come here and do what I normally do," White said before the game. "I'm approaching it the way I approach every other game. It's just that I'm starting the game instead of coming in after five minutes."
