Derrick White, a reference for shooter-blockers
Jayson Tatum is recovering, the Celtics will only be able to get through this if the players raise their level of play. This was not the case for Derrick White a month ago, butformer Spurs guard temperature rise in December.
In absolute terms, the Olympic champion brings almost 2 more points per match with some reduced playing time, and tonight, face or heatconfirms his rise to power with the best score of the season (33 points). Also with 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks, the Boston guard tied a personal best with 9 3-pointers.
He even set an NBA record with 5 3-pointers and 4 blocks in the first half. This is unprecedented in history, even if the statistics are more anecdotal. He is also the first Celtic to collect at least 30 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks and 9 awarded baskets.
“The more stats you add, the less sense it makes…”
“I’ll have to put this somewhere.” he smiles as he reveals the stat. “To be the first one to do it, it’s crazy. Then, the more stats you add, it means less… but it’s cool. It’s really cool to be the first one. And then nine threes, that helps. Maybe I lost 1 or 2 balls… But yeah, it was really special.”
More seriously, White is shooting 43% from 3-point range in December and is brimming with confidence. Even at 8 or 9 meters, he does not hesitate. He looks at the defender’s legs, the distance, and pulls it out.
“I think I made a few in a row, and everybody thought there was no way I was going to hit this rim,” smiles Bella about the game-winning shot with the backboard. “So I just tried to make some space and the board was there.”
Infectious confidence as the Celtics stormed back to victory, thanks to a 3-point fest early in the 4th quarter: 6 of 6!
2025-12-20 06:54:00
