Joe Mazzulla Praises Derrick White's Performance vs. Miami Heat

Last season, Derrick White was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

In their home opener, the Boston Celtics took a 119-111 victory over the Miami Heat. Derrick White, Boston’s leading scorer, registered 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists over 36 minutes.

White played a key role in extinguishing Miami’s momentum towards the end of the game. With 3:52 left in the fourth quarter, the defensive specialist accelerated past all other players on the court to execute a chase-down block on a dunking Jimmy Butler.

If you think you're going up for a bucket, and Derrick White is chasing you... good luck with that 🤯 pic.twitter.com/nZabwnRtaf

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) October 28, 2023

As captured by NBC Sports Boston, Joe Mazzulla complimented the 29-year-old guard on his performance against the Heat.

“The plays he made tonight were sick. They were just sick plays. Like there’s not another word to describe them. That’s just what he does. He has the humility to do what’s best for the team. When his number is called, he shows up regardless of what’s happened.”

The Celtics’ next game is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena.

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