The Boston Celtics are well aware of Derrick White’s pivotal role in their pursuit of the franchise’s 18th championship. White’s exceptional qualities as a point-of-attack defender, his adept ball movement, and smart cutting make him an invaluable asset. However, what truly sets White apart is his unwavering commitment to doing whatever it takes for the Celtics to secure a victory. Even though he ranks as the team’s fifth offensive option, White showcased his game-changing potential on a memorable Friday night.

In a highly anticipated rematch against the Miami Heat, a heated face-off reminiscent of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, Derrick White emerged as the standout performer. White delivered an impressive 28-point performance on 9-of-15 shooting, including five three-pointers, serving as a potent offensive threat. His scoring surge came at a critical juncture when the Heat focused their defensive efforts on containing Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Notably, 14 of White’s 28 points were scored in the crucial fourth quarter, marking him as only the second player in franchise history to achieve 25+ points and 5+ three-pointers in a home opener, as reported by ESPN Stats & Info.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla recognized the remarkable display put forth by Derrick White, offering effusive praise for the versatile combo guard.

“The plays he executed tonight were nothing short of extraordinary. They were outstanding,” remarked Mazzulla during his postgame press conference, according to Jared Weiss of The Athletic.

Derrick White possesses an innate ability to fill the voids and complement his teammates on nights when they may struggle. Notably, Jayson Tatum faced a challenging shooting night, going 9-for-22 to score 22 points against the Heat. Nevertheless, White stepped up, guiding the Celtics to a 32-point fourth quarter where they outperformed the Heat by nine points.

While these explosive scoring performances may be infrequent for White due to the Celtics’ depth, opponents should never underestimate his game-changing potential. His ability to make “extraordinary plays” extends beyond merely putting the ball through the hoop, making him a constant force to be reckoned with.