The Boston Celtics had an unlikely hero on Monday night with Derrick White’s memorable performance guiding the visiting team to a 102-88 win against the Miami Heat. White saved his best for arguably the biggest game of the season so far. He finished with a playoff career-high 38 points, three assists, four rebounds and three blocked shots.
White’s dominant individual performance is a reminder of just how deep this Celtics lineup is. Boston possesses so many weapons that can hurt teams offensively that opposing coaches are struggling to find an counter.
Following the game, Boston’s All-Star forward Jayson Tatum spoke about the teams depth and why this lineup is so difficult to defend.
“On any given night, we can have a guy like that erupt and win us a playoff game,” said Tatum.
Derrick White in Game 4 🔥
38 PTS (playoff career-high)
15-26 FG
8 3PMC's take a 3-1 lead over the Heat ☘️ pic.twitter.com/KVNC7upi1l
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 30, 2024
NBA analyst Charles Barkley has said on several occasions that the Celtics are one team that doesn’t need their best players to play well in order for them to win. The Celtics had three different players averaging over 20 points per game over the regular season (Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis). White and Jrue Holiday were also averaging double-digits with 15.2 and 12.5 points, respectively.
The Celtics remain red hot as we approach the second round of the playoffs. The team has an incredible 38-5 record at the TD Garden this season and if their roster continues to perform the way they have, it is hard to see anyone stopping them in the Eastern Conference.
Game 5 will take place in Boston on Wednesday with the Heat trailing the series 3-1.
