Why Derrick White deserved those MVP chants in Game 2 vs. the Hawks

It’s Game 2 in Boston. The Celtics lead the Atlanta Hawks 109-97 with 4:25 left in the fourth quarter. MVP chants begin to fill TD Garden with the home team at the free throw line for a chance to extend the lead. However, Jayson Tatum, who averaged a franchise-best 30.1 points per game this season, is not shooting these free throws. Nor is All-NBA candidate and two-time All-Star Jaylen Brown. The man at the free-throw line is Derrick White. And the MVP chants shouldn’t surprise anyone.

White has thoroughly dominated in his first two games of the 2022-23 NBA playoffs, averaging a fantastic 25 points, six rebounds, and 4.5 assists per contest. The cerebral combo guard is shooting a ridiculous 62.1% from the field while nailing 50.0% of his 3-pointers and 88.9% of his free throws. He also leads all starters from both teams in true shooting percentage with an outrageous 75.8% mark.

White has also excelled on the defensive end, serving as Trae Young’s primary defender in the first-round series.

Atlanta’s All-NBA point guard has struggled mightily through two outings in Boston, posting per-game averages of 20 points and seven assists on 35% shooting from the floor and 23.1% shooting from deep (43.7 TS%).

Through two games, White has guarded Young on 59 total possessions and has held him to 14 points on 5/17 shooting.

On top of his stout perimeter defense, White has put together a shot-blocking clinic with five rejections in the series (2.5 blocks per game). He was the best rim protector at his position all season long as he finished with 76 total blocks, the most of any guard.

White is simply playing elite two-way basketball right now, and he has indicated no signs of slowing down.

The father of Derrick White on his son’s ascension

I spoke with Richard White, Derrick’s father, and he explained how his son has defended at such a high level to start the playoffs.

"“Playing defense on All-Star players like Trae is about staying close and contesting the best that you can. They have unlimited freedom and usage, so you have to make it as difficult as possible and live with the results. It’s hard to keep them down, but if you don’t try, you can’t succeed.”"

White’s effort and energy on both sides of the ball have proven invaluable to Boston’s success all year long, and his superb play against Atlanta has further highlighted his impact. In fact, the Cs are currently outscoring the Hawks by roughly 32 points per 100 possessions with White on the floor.

As Boston hits the road, Celtics fans shouldn’t expect a huge dip in White’s production. This season, White played just as well on the road as he did at home. He averaged just 0.2 fewer points per game in away matchups while shooting 38.4% from downtown (shot 37.8% at home).

Trae Young will likely improve upon his disastrous play with the series shifting to Atlanta. However, Celtics fans should expect head coach Joe Mazzulla to keep White on Atlanta’s star player as often as possible.

All in all, White has emerged as Boston’s third-best player this season. The well-rounded guard has blossomed into an elite 3-point shooter, taking his game to new heights with his tremendous work ethic and improved jumper.

After sinking just 31.2% of his 3-pointers the year before, White shot 38.1% from beyond the arc this season.

Richard White credited his son’s team-first mentality when asked about Derrick’s spectacular season.

"“Derrick worked all summer on his shot. To accomplish team goals, he had to get better, and he was willing to put in the work to make that happen. The accolades and accomplishments take a back seat to winning. To the victors go the spoils.”"

White’s revamped jump shot bolstered an already-versatile skillset that has seen him impact winning on one of the best teams in basketball. While his defensive prowess speaks for itself, White’s ability to make plays for himself and others, as well as space the floor, has made him one of the most impactful players in the league.

During the regular season, White led the team in on/off differential with a +9.3 mark, per Cleaning the Glass. He was also one of just 10 players to play in all 82 games.

Richard has always been, and will always be, a proud father while watching it all happen.

"“It is surreal watching him play at the highest level. We are proud watching him do what he loves and have success.”"

Derrick White MVP chants will return to the TD Garden one day

Derrick White will look to continue his stellar play in Game 3 when Boston plays their first road game of the postseason. Last spring, the Celtics went 8-4 on the road during their run to the NBA Finals.

Whether White continues his brilliance in Atlanta or not, one thing seems certain. He’ll have to wait for more MVP chants until he’s back in the Garden.