Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from the C’s win-streak ending loss to Detroit

Boston Celtics takeaway No. 2) Derrick White is Marcus Smart 2.0

It has not taken Derrick White much time to get acclimated in Boston.

The veteran guard has made an immediate impact on both ends of the floor since joining the team on February 11th vs Denver. Although his shooting is yet to come around, White has come up big for Boston, much like his backcourt buddy, Marcus Smart.

With nine points, six assists, six rebounds, and three steals, the 27-year-old made an impact in Smart’s absence.

As just over eight seconds remained in the game, Derrick White stole the inbound pass intended for Cade Cunningham and gave the C’s a chance with just a one-point difference.

White would also draw a charge late in the fourth, putting his body on the line.

The White steal on the inbound gave fans instant deja vu, as it was a very Marcus Smart-esque play. With Smart out dealing with a high ankle sprain, it will be White who will get the starts at point guard.

The former Spur’s starting stint may come to a quick end if Smart is able to return at the conclusion of the All-Star break.

The break should come in handy for White, who was 3-10 from the floor and 1-6 from beyond the arc.

Since joining the Boston Celtics, the combo guard has yet to boost his shooting percentages like many expected he would. In his first four games with the C’s, White is just 6-26 from 3-point territory.

Playing alongside two 20 point scorers should help him in the long term. The break should help finally get him settled in Boston, not just on the court.