Benching Teaches Caleb Wilson a Tough First Bulls Lesson, Says Tiago Splitter

A difficult stretch before the bench

With the Bulls trailing 103-64, Wilson tried to pass to Isaac Okoro in transition, but Miles McBride intercepted the ball. OG Anunoby then advanced it and passed to McBride for a corner three.

Wilson later missed a long two while guarded by Anunoby. After another Bulls possession ended with a missed Okoro layup and a loose rebound, Wilson was not visible as the Knicks moved into their next attack.

Splitter explains his decision

A timeout came with 5:09 left on the clock, and Wilson went to the bench. He did not return. The account describes this as a departure from Splitter’s approach in other blowout losses, when the rookie stayed on the floor. After the 135-105 defeat, Splitter said Wilson “wasn’t doing the right things on offense or defense” and mentioned his body language. The coach added, “He’s got to get better.”

A challenge to respond

Splitter said the team needed to be more resilient, noting that Wilson had not previously faced this kind of situation in his life. He said players must keep working whether they are behind by 20, 30 or 40 points.

The benching was Wilson’s first such setback as a Bull, after eight games without an off-night like this, according to the article. It presents the moment as a learning experience rather than a reason to overstate the incident.