An unavoidable compromise was made this summer when the Boston Celtics acquired elite talent. There are six players who can score a lot of points, but there are only so many available shots.
However, stability comes with that price. On nights when one player struggles, there’s a chance for others to take on more work. More significantly, each player has the ability to enter the spotlight at any time.
“Every player gives it their all, and when one isn’t there, someone else steps up,” Boston’s head coach Joe Mazzulla said following the team’s 119-111 victory over the Miami Heat on Friday night.
And Derrick White was the star of the show that night.
In addition to scoring 28 points and grabbing six rebounds, White also contributed three assists, one steal, three blocks, and made 9 of 15 field goals and 5 of 7 three-pointers.
On a night when Boston’s offense appeared to be slow at times, his three-point shooting proved to be essential. The rest of the squad only managed to shoot 11 out of 32 (34.4%).
However, the timing was more significant than the amount of White’s influence. Time and again, White delivered a huge play just when the Celtics needed it most.
Mazzulla remarked, “He’s a competitor, he’s consistent, and he wants to win.” “I mean, he made some really sick plays tonight. These were merely lousy plays. There isn’t a word that adequately describes it.
Early in the first quarter, the Heat led 9–8, when Jimmy Butler was fouled while in transition. He was pursued by White for a block.
After driving to the hoop and finding Jrue Holiday on a cut with 3:01 remaining in the second quarter and the Heat leading 51-49, White disheveled out the assist that tied the game. Jaylen Brown then stole the inbound pass and hammered it in.
Feeling sick.
In the fourth quarter, Miami was ahead by two points at 11:07. White scored eight consecutive points to give the Celtics a six-point lead.
“My guy Amida Brimah would always get blocks when I was in the G League, and I would always tell him that I get one a game,” White remarked following the match. “Therefore, I’ve tried to just get one game ever since. However, I just try to make things difficult for the other team, and today I had some nice blocks.
White was always there to give the Celtics a boost whenever they needed it. Whenever the circumstance demanded it, he was ready to attack with a clutch three or a chase down block.
White came off the bench when Boston acquired him at the deadline two years ago. White’s role gradually grew over the year, and when the 2022–2023 season began and Robert Williams was out, he was given regular starting minutes.
When the 2023 NBA Playoffs rolled around, White was one of the best players, having a breakthrough playoff campaign. He is now the center of attention for the Celtics, not just a supporting player on a revamped roster.
“I believe that his self-assurance just keeps growing,” Jayson Tatum remarked following the game. He’s become more at ease with us and with himself, but his skill has always been there. However, he’s beginning to display more feeling.
Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the whole team have pushed White to be more aggressive throughout his time with the Celtics. They want him to succeed because they are aware of his potential.
Support like that makes events like White’s home opener masterclass possible.
“Well done, those guys,” remarked White. “Just giving me the assurance and having faith in me to always try to make the right play.” It gives you confidence to hear that some of the best players in the league encourage you to be aggressive.
