Boston Celtics: 2 unsung studs from C’s Game 5 win over Miami

Boston Celtics stud No. 1) Derrick White

Just two days after putting on a tremendous performance as a spot starter for the injured Marcus Smart, Derrick White followed things up with yet another stellar night.

Once again serving as the first player off the pine for the Boston Celtics, the point guard came out swinging in Wednesday’s contest, as he was directly responsible for the first nine points scored upon his initial entrance into the game.

His offense was indeed efficient, as he shot 75 percent from the floor and set his teammates up beautifully for quality scores, and this was evident right off the bat with his beautiful touch-lob on a fast-break to Al Horford.

However, it was his hustle and defensive tenacity that truly stole the show, as he was an absolute pest when in man coverage (remember that block on Duncan Robinson in the fourth?!) as well as in help situations, and was all over the place when it came to fighting on the boards and for loose balls, which was even apparent to ESPN commentator, Mark Jackson, who, after a chase-down steal, stated that White was playing “championship basketball.”

You sure bet he was, and has been ever since seemingly turning the corner in Boston’s series against Milwaukee.

Logging just shy of 30 minutes played, White posted an impressive stat-line of 14 points, five assists, two steals, and a block, and, while these numbers are certainly great to see, his impact on this contest was felt far beyond what finds itself showing up in the box score.