Despite missing two All-Stars, the Boston Celtics showcased their talent on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers, securing a notable 117-107 victory on the road.
Leading the charge, Jayson Tatum delivered an impressive performance with 29 points, stepping up in the absence of Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis. Fortunately, Tatum found support in guard Derrick White, who contributed 27 points, aiding the Celtics in improving their overall record to 9-2.
During moments when Tatum faced challenges in the fourth quarter, Derrick White emerged as a stabilizing force, delivering crucial three-pointers. Tatum eventually found his rhythm and sealed the victory with a decisive 3-pointer, assisted by White, with 1:11 remaining.
In the intense final quarter of the rivalry matchup, Tatum and White collectively accounted for 24 of Boston’s 34 points. Reflecting on the exceptional team effort after the victory, Tatum acknowledged Derrick White and praised the Celtics’ depth for their resilient performance.
“That’s the luxury that we have on our team. We have so many talented guys,” he said. “I say it all the time: I tell D-White to be aggressive. When he’s being aggressive and assertive, that’s great for our team. In those moments, he can take over for the stretch of a game and give us that lift. He’s always going to make the right play.”
Just last week, despite being at full strength, the Celtics experienced a setback against the Sixers with a 106-103 loss. However, this Wednesday, even with key players sidelined due to injuries, Boston managed to reclaim the top spot in the Eastern Conference while securing a victory against a formidable Philadelphia team. This early-season matchup highlights the impressive strength and resilience of Boston’s top six players.