Since his arrival at the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA trade deadline, Derrick White has transformed into a cornerstone of the team’s quest for their 18th championship banner. In Sunday’s NBA Finals Game 2 against the Dallas Mavericks, Derrick White the secret weapon, added another chapter to his growing legend, pulling off a heroic play that could be the key to the Celtics’ triumph.
Is Derrick White the Secret Weapon in Celtics’ Championship Hunt?
The former Colorado Buffaloes star, now in his second NBA Finals, clocked an impressive 38 minutes on the court. He racked up 18 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished out two assists, stole the ball three times, and blocked two shots. But it was his second block that stole the show and perhaps, sealed the game for Boston.
With the clock ticking down to the last minute of the fourth quarter, Dallas forward PJ Washington seemed poised to make it a nail-biting one-possession game with a fast break dunk. However, White had other plans. Defying gravity and expectations, he soared through the air to execute a chase-down block that left everyone, including the legendary commentator Mike Breen, in awe. “Blocked by White!” Breen’s electrifying call echoed through the arena.
Just moments before this jaw-dropping play, White had seemingly put the game out of reach by sinking his fourth three-pointer, pushing the Celtics to a 14-point lead. Yet, Luka Doncic and the Mavericks refused to go quietly, slashing the deficit with a nine-point surge, setting up the dramatic finish.
This spectacular block adds to White’s growing list of iconic playoff moments, including his buzzer-beater tip-in during Game 6 of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals. With Boston heading to Dallas for Games 3 and 4, the anticipation is building. Can White and the Celtics continue their relentless march towards the Larry O’Brien trophy?
Derrick White’s journey from a college standout to an NBA Finals hero is the stuff of legends. His performances not only electrify fans but also etch his name deeper into the annals of Celtics lore. White’s quest to become the fourth Colorado University alum to win an NBA Championship, and the second to do so with the Celtics, is tantalizingly close.
As the series heads to Dallas, all eyes will be on White and his ability to deliver under pressure. Will his heroic block be the turning point in this series? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Derrick White is leaving an indelible mark on this year’s NBA Finals.
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