The Boston Celtics are currently on a fine winning streak, and Derrick White has played a key role in the team’s success this season.
Following the Boston Celtics’ 121-113 win over the Toronto Raptors, the 18-time NBA champions have improved to a 15-9 record.
Despite Jayson Tatum likely being out for the season, the Celtics are currently the third seed in the Eastern Conference.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has done a commendable job this season. As far as players are concerned, veteran guard Derrick White deserves a lot of praise.
Joe Mazzulla praises Derrick White
Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images
In the C’s recent comfortable win over the Raptors, White recorded 27 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. He also made six three-pointers while impacting the game on the defensive end with three steals.
After the game, Mazzulla was asked about White’s form in crunch time, and the Celtics coach had nothing but praise for the 31-year-old.
“He’s got the ability to score at all three levels: the three, the pull-up two, he can get to the rim and get fouled,” Mazzulla said via Bobby Krivitsky on X.
Mazzulla added: “He does a good job of recognizing matchups and coverages in real-time when they’re trying to change them. I thought he was just steady tonight for us.”
Of course, Jaylen Brown is the No. 1 option for the Celtics in Tatum’s absence, but White’s contributions are somewhat underrated as they are a key reason behind the franchise being a playoff contender.
Derrick White’s 2025-26 season stats for the Boston Celtics
Since getting traded to the Celtics during the 2021-22 season, White has only improved with each campaign.
Speaking of the 2025-26 NBA season, he is currently averaging 17.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.
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While White is shooting 39.3% from the field and 33.8% from deep, he shows up when it matters the most – crunch time.
If the Celtics continue their onslaught this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if White finally earns his first-ever NBA All-Star selection.