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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Cameron Tabatabaie

Mazzulla on Derrick White’s game vs. the Heat: ‘The plays he made tonight were sick, right?’

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.”

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.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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