The Boston Celtics are now one victory away from a trip to the NBA Finals and a likely berth against the Golden State Warriors.
With the series tied up at two games apiece, the pressure was on the Celtics more than the Miami Heat — especially with the game being in South Beach.
This time, it wasn’t Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum who were the difference-makers. Instead, it was former Colorado Buffaloes star Derrick White.
White has provided the Celtics with steady reserve minutes since coming over at the NBA Trade Deadline via a deal with the San Antonio Spurs. But, his best performance came when the Celtics needed it most.
White finished with 14 points on 6-8 from the field and five assists in 29 minutes off the bench. For perspective, he played more minutes than Marcus Smart and Robert Williams.
After the victory, veteran Al Horford raved about White in what was a common discussion.
Al Horford: "D White for us was unbelievable tonight. … People probably won't talk about it enough, but for me he was huge."
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) May 26, 2022
Brown also made sure to give White credit for the masterful performance.
"Derrick the last two games has been fantastic.. He's been essential, we need him to keep playing with that same type of aggression. "
"Al (Horford) is ol' reliable.."
Jaylen Brown on Derrick White and Al Horford being the "story of the game".pic.twitter.com/JQxwVxldqJ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) May 26, 2022
Yes, Brown and Tatum combined for 47 points and Horford chipped in 16. But it was White’s play that really put Boston over the edge.
The Celtics now look to clinch the Eastern Conference title at home on Friday night, and White will once again have a massive role.