The Boston Celtics earned a 119-111 win over the visiting Miami Heat Friday night. It was a solid first game back at TD Garden and a bit of revenge for the Celtics, who fell to Miami in Boston during Game 7 of last season’s Eastern Conference Finals. Friday’s outcome doesn’t undo the past, but a loud team win certainly helps the team start this new regular season campaign on the right foot.
Derrick White was a big part of that victory for Boston. He led the Celtics in scoring with 28 points, 3 assists, and 6 rebounds. On defense, he was even more effective. White made several key stops for Boston, including emphatic blocks, including a big play to stop Jimmy Butler from connecting on a breakaway dunk. After the game, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla spoke candidly about White’s effort.
“The plays he made tonight were sick, right?” Mazzulla asked with a smile. “They’re just sick plays. That’s the only way you can describe it — that’s just what he does.”
PHOTOS – Boston vs. Miami: Celtics outlast determined Heat, win 119-111 https://t.co/VsjuEEeb2u pic.twitter.com/k04lZpueGW
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) October 28, 2023
White earned All-NBA Defensive Second Team honors last season, a testament to the former Colorado Buffalo’s tenacity and skill on that end of the ball. On the scoring attack, White is a strong shooter and a key conduit for Boston’s offense. Mazzulla noted as such postgame Friday night.
“He has the humility to do what’s best for the team,” Mazzulla continued. “And when his number is called, he shows up regardless of what’s happened. That’s big for us.”
Boston has opened the year with two victories, a good start for what will be a long season and, hopefully for the Celtics, a deep postseason run. For now, Boston heads on the road to face the Washington Wizards on Monday evening.
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Reax to Cs' win vs NYK w/@YossiGozlan & @Ronnie2K on 2K's offish sim for '23-24 (Spoiler: Boston does WELL).
📺: https://t.co/4eDdniwHNU
🍎: https://t.co/jxgLJXvUSn
✳️: https://t.co/68RSfw9Ddc⚡️by @FDSportsbook: https://t.co/sTvAwUOX0J pic.twitter.com/2GgsF7rSH5
— Dr. Justin Quinn (@justinquinnn) October 27, 2023
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