The Boston Celtics are not ready to go home just yet.
Facing elimination in a must-win Game 5, the Celtics dug deep and responded like a championship-caliber team, riding a spectacular shooting performance from Derrick White (@dwhite921) to a thrilling 112-101 victory. With the win, the Celtics staved off elimination and forced a Game 6, shifting momentum back in their favor and reigniting hopes of a comeback in the series.
From the opening tip, Boston played with a sense of urgency and energy that had been missing in previous outings. But it was White who truly set the tone. The veteran guard caught fire early and never cooled off, draining shot after shot from beyond the arc. Whether it was pulling up in transition, spotting up off a Jayson Tatum drive, or punishing defenders for going under screens, White showcased his full offensive arsenal, finishing with 27 points on a blazing 7-of-9 shooting from three-point range.
“D-White was unbelievable tonight,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla in the postgame press conference. “His confidence, his movement, his defense—he gave us everything. That’s the guy you want in the trenches.”
White’s performance wasn’t just about the numbers. It was about timing. His threes came at key moments—quelling opponent runs, energizing the crowd, and shifting momentum when the game hung in the balance. Time and again, when the Celtics needed a bucket, White delivered.
Beyond the sharpshooting display, the Celtics turned in a complete team effort. Jayson Tatum added 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, attacking the paint and drawing double-teams that freed up shooters. Jaylen Brown chipped in 21 points with physical drives and gritty defense, while Al Horford controlled the glass and anchored the interior.
Defensively, Boston was locked in. The team made critical adjustments, showing greater discipline on closeouts and rotating with precision. After struggling to contain dribble penetration in earlier games, the Celtics forced the opposition into tougher, contested looks all night long.
But the story of Game 5 belongs to Derrick White. Known primarily for his defense and steady presence, White’s evolution into a dangerous three-point shooter has been one of the most underrated aspects of Boston’s season. On this night, his stroke was pure, his confidence unwavering.
Social media exploded with praise as White hit his fifth, sixth, and seventh threes. Fans, analysts, and former players alike took to Twitter and Instagram, hailing the performance. “@dwhite921 is HIM,” one tweet read. “This man is unconscious!”
Now, the Celtics travel on the road for a pivotal Game 6, with the series hanging in the balance. What once looked like a bleak situation now feels like a live wire of hope. If White can stay hot and Boston continues to defend with discipline and intensity, the dream of forcing a Game 7 is very real.
Game 5 was a statement. And thanks to Derrick White’s flamethrower from deep, the Celtics are still alive—and coming for more.
