Boston Celtics: 1 stud and 1 dud from C’s bounce-back win over Bucks
By Mark Nilon
Boston Celtics dud: Derrick White
With Marcus Smart inactive for Game 2, Ime Udoka looked to midseason acquisition, Derrick White, to man the one for the Boston Celtics and serve as their main point guard in his absence.
Now, while the C’s did get that highly coveted first win of the series Tuesday night, unfortunately, the point guard was not a major reason as to why.
Registering 28 minutes, White went on to log five assists, four boards, and zero points to go along with two turnovers and five fouls.
Granted, it’s not like the veteran was an overall NET negative on the night, as he did play some solid defense at times, taking on bigger players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis with surprising ease, and even tied with our “stud” in Grant Williams for the best plus-minus rating.
Still, his first playoff run with the Celtics has not been all that impressive, and he himself has even been viewed as a contributor that’s holding back the ball club.
Game 2 was simply more of the same for the 27-year-old (has made just three of his 18 attempts from deep through six contests) and, considering he’s such a high usage player within Boston’s rotation, this type of production (specifically on offense) cannot continue if they wish to truly better their odds of advancing.