All-around guard Derrick White leads Boston Celtics to victory over Miami Heat
Derrick White scored 38 points on 15-for-26 shooting, including 8-for-15 success from 3-point range, as the Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat 102-88 in the NBA playoffs. Jayson Tatum added 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown finished with 17 points.
White’s Career-High Performance
White, a 29-year-old guard, achieved a career-high point total in both regular season and postseason games. He credited his coach, Joe Mazzulla, and teammates for empowering him and building his confidence.
Key Players and Game Highlights
- Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 25 points, 17 rebounds, and five assists.
- Tyler Herro contributed 19 points, and Caleb Martin had 18 for Miami.
- Despite a strong start by the Heat in the fourth quarter, the Celtics maintained their lead.
Injury Concerns for Boston Celtics
The victory came at a potential cost for the Celtics as center Kristaps Porzingis suffered a calf injury in the first half. The team will await test results to determine the extent of the injury.
Coach’s Reaction and Game Analysis
Coach Mazzulla praised his team for stepping up in Porzingis’ absence and emphasized the collective effort needed for success. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged the team’s defensive efforts but highlighted the need for improvement on offense.
Both teams faced challenges in shooting efficiency during the game, with the Heat struggling from the field and beyond the arc in the second quarter.
