Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from stellar Game 4 drubbing of Miami

Boston Celtics takeaway No.3 ) Derrick White!

Without Marcus Smart, Derrick White once again slotted into the starting lineup for the Boston Celtics in their most important game of the season. He delivered and more, scoring Boston’s first seven points which included a made three.

He ended the night with 13 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals in 41 minutes.

He had a relatively inefficient night, only hitting four of his 14 shots and one of eight from beyond the arc, but his willingness to attack and shoot from the perimeter was needed. White has been a shooter that’s lacked confidence ever since he was traded from San Antonio. The Heat were daring him to shoot, and he did over and over again when the ball found him.

If we were to only be results-based, a 1-of-8 shooting line isn’t the best. But him shooting from beyond the arc, even a couple off-the-dribble, is huge for his overall confidence for the rest of the playoffs.

Furthermore, White ran the offense flawlessly in Smart’s place, both pushing the pace when needed and finding adequate mismatches in semi-transition. His finishing in the paint has been impressive throughout his tenure in green, as he’s able to score through contact consistently.

On the defensive side of the ball, he was able to switch on any Heat perimeter player and hold up with relative ease. He’s also an extraordinary screen navigator, closing out on Miami’s shooters off of set plays to disrupt their offense even more.

Marcus Smart’s absence was not noticeable on the night thanks to Derrick White’s performance.