Colorado Basketball: Derrick White is bringing a new level of maturity to the Celtics

It was just one week ago when Buff alum and former Spur Derrick White became a dad. In which he ended up missing Game 2 on the Eastern Conference Finals when his wife went into labor. But sometimes there are more important things than basketball. He welcomed his son Hendrix into the world and it’s definitely matured and already mature player. I’m sure he wants to be home with family more than anything but he’s coming out each game and giving it his all. Doing everything in his power to get Boston to their first NBA Final in 12 years.

All the Celtics had to do was win game 6 at home but it didn’t end up in Boston’s favor. A very close game that slipped away, but by no fault of Derrick White’s. He ended up scoring the most points he ever has for Boston with 22 points. In the end turnovers became a problem for his team and the Heat edged them out to force a game 7 in Miami.

There is absolute frustration but star Jayson Tatum has no doubt they will head down to Miami and win. Tatum believes they have a 10/10 shot to win and believes in himself and his teammates that much. As long as they keep the turnover rate down we believe they will slide right into the NBA Finals as well.

True words spoken by White. When you win there’s no doubters when you lose doubters come in packs. Nothing is a given in sports and Boston can’t get too complacent like they did at home. Great things don’t come easy you have to earn it, and now they have to go down to Miami and prove it. If White has another masterful performance that’s highly likely. He went 4-for-7 from the three-point line. That would inevitably take the fire out of the Heat.

Offensive fire power is always a big arsenal but where Derrick really shines is his defense. He had 3 steals on Friday night and 2 steals in game 5, and a block in both contests. An aggressive and tenacious defender. It took a while for him to get his offense rolling with Boston but he seems to be peaking at the right time, and right when Boston needs him the most. White is one of them key factors into them getting to the Finals. The way he can produce on both sides of the ball makes him one to watch out for in game 7. He also takes a lot of pressure off Tatum and Brown by spreading out the defense. A great weapon for an already deep team.

Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals tips off Sunday at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN. While Boston is still favored to win nothing is ever a guarantee. The atmosphere will be heavy at FTX Arena in Miami as they cheer on their team for a chance at an NBA Finals berth. We will once again see if the Celtics can cool down the Heat and get back to the big show for the first time since 2010.