Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from C’s critical Game 5 win in Miami

Boston Celtics takeaway No. 1) Derrick White has his confidence back

For the first three games of the Eastern Conference Finals, guard Derrick White looked like a shell of himself on offense. From passing up wide-open treys to poor shot selection when driving, the former point guard was shell-shocked.

After a conversation with teammates and Ime Udoka, White focused on being himself. Game 4 saw the beginning of the turnaround for number nine.

During Game 4, he posted 13 points, eight boards, and six assists. His defense has remained stellar, even with the offensive struggles for the Celtic reserve.

In Game 5, White seemed to return to his pre-playoff self and looked the best he has since becoming a Celtic.

The veteran finished the night with fourteen points on 6-of-8 shooting from the floor. This may have been the best performance of the playoffs for the point guard. It is incredibly important for White to be an efficient bench scorer as the C’s continue their pursuit for banner 18.

Even with the struggles of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, White stepped up and generated offense. He attacked the basket, did not hesitate, and made his shots when the chance arose.

He also turned defense into offense with his relentless clogging of the passing lanes.

Wednesday night was another step in the right direction for the two-way guard.