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To record seven blocks in a single game, for any frontcourt rim-protector, automatically equates to an elite shot-blocking performance.
For Derrick White, a 6-foot-4 guard, it’s a rarity.
White, who was the fifth Celtic in the last 25 years to record seven blocks and the first since Robert Williams did it in 2022, has now tied the record for most blocks in a game by a guard, per StatMuse. Only the 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama has more blocks in a game this season with nine.
Of White’s seven blocks, four of them came on shots from Lauri Markkanen, who stands at 7’1”.
Even White didn’t seem to know what to say about his career-night as a shot-blocker.
“Just trying to help us win anyway I can, and that was kind of a crazy one,” he said. “So yeah, that was crazy. I don’t know what to say.”
On top of his shot-denying mastery, White also provided a huge lift in multiple areas. He scored 22 of his team-best 27 points in the second half, overcoming a 2-of-8 first half by converting on six of his next eight second half shot attempts. He was also perfect from the line on the night, making all nine attempts, while dishing out six assists with only one turnover and grabbing seven rebounds.
Joe Mazzulla highlighted White’s expanded role this season and the ways in which he can impact the shot. At times, he’s roaming like an off-ball big would, finding opportunities to step in as a helper. On other possessions, he’s guarding the primary scoring option and fighting around screens to contest off-the-dribble shooters.
“This year, his role has grown,” said Mazzulla. “Tonight, when we went with Derrick, Payton, Anfernee and Jaylen, he has to guard the other team’s best player.
“In the beginning of the game when he’s roaming and on guys we can shift off of, he does a good job of coming in and knowing when to help and not.”
As far as his offensive impact, Mazzulla focused on how the team’s guards handled Utah’s blitzing pick-and-roll approach and how it opened up driving lanes. Utah, like Portland on Sunday, was not afraid of taking an aggressive approach against Boston’s screen game, and in comparison to a 19-turnover night against the Trail Blazers, Boston had just eight giveaways against Utah, keeping the ball moving for creators like White to attack.
“We did a great job of not hanging onto the ball, and I thought (Jaylen) started that and then (Anfernee), Payton and Derrick did a great job of getting it side to side. I thought our pick-and-roll attack was really balanced, and when we did that we were able to attack closeouts. I think that got Derrick downhill for some easy shots.”
White’s reputation as an unusually proficient shot-blocking guard is well-documented, but he’s somehow still finding ways to improve in that department. After tonight, White’s per game block average is at 1.48, which would be a career-best after his 1.2 blocks during the 2023-24 regular season. That year, he had 87 blocks in 73 games, a career-best figure that he’s now 42 blocks from breaking after just 31 games.
After tonight, he also jumped seven players in the league standings, including reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley, to rank 10th in the NBA in blocked shots.
At a certain point, it may not be completely crazy to label Derrick White an honorary center.
