In the high-stakes world of NBA basketball, where emotions run as hot as the hardwood, Boston Celtics point guard Derrick White has always been the picture of composure. The Colorado native, known for his steady demeanor and sharp playmaking, had somehow navigated his entire NBA career without ever earning a technical foul—until this season. That pristine record made him the target of playful jabs from teammate Jayson Tatum, a notorious magnet for techs himself, who couldn’t resist ribbing White about his “squeaky-clean” reputation.
But all that changed during Boston’s gritty 119-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons, when White finally crossed into uncharted territory. With just over eight minutes left in the third quarter, the University of Colorado alum picked up his inaugural tech, and Tatum’s reaction? Pure teammate gold.
White spilled the beans on a recent episode of his “White Noise” podcast, painting a vivid picture of the moment. “It’s a big moment,” he said with a chuckle, recalling how Tatum—affectionately nicknamed “Taco Jay”—lit up like a proud parent at a school play. “You can definitely see in the moment as soon as he gave me the (technical foul), JT was stood up,” White shared. “I could argue here as soon as he gave me the (tech).”
As the referee signaled the foul, Tatum leaped to his feet, applauding with genuine enthusiasm. It was a lighthearted milestone in the Celtics’ locker room lore, turning what could have been a frustrating call into a badge of honor. White admitted he wasn’t gunning for the tech; it stemmed from a heated disagreement during a physically intense game. “I wasn’t even really trying to get a technical on that one. I just strongly disagreed with that call—it was like a physical game, so emotions were high,” he explained. “I had some choice words in there, but I wasn’t trying to get a technical.”
The tipping point? White’s firm belief that he hadn’t committed the foul, especially given the game’s flow. His final quip to the ref—”that’s effing horrible”—sealed the deal. Now, with that box checked, White is ready to move on. “So that is my first one—hopefully I don’t get too many, just check a box,” he said. “Now I’ve got to focus on more important stuff, like helping us get some more wins.”
This slice of Celtics camaraderie highlights the bond between White and Tatum, turning a minor infraction into major laughs. As Boston pushes through the season, fans can bet these two will keep the energy high—both on and off the court.