Key Moment
Derrick White sure does like Miami, doesn’t he?
White was at the core of Boston’s 15-2 run midway through the first quarter of Game 4, a run which propelled the Celtics to another runaway win on the road. He accounted for 11 of the 15 points, including eight in a span of just 57 seconds to jumpstart Boston’s dominant night.
The 15-2 run was initiated by Kristaps Porzingis connecting on two free throws at the 7:26 mark. White then got into the act with his eight-point run before Jaylen Brown added in a free throw and a putback layup. White then ended the run with a 3-pointer at the 3:39 mark to push Boston ahead 29-14.
At that moment, White had already reached 16 points in the quarter. That number matched his postseason career high for points in a quarter. And he and the Celtics were just getting started.
Boston’s lead remained in double-figures for the remainder of the night while White went on to notch a new career high in the scoring column. The Celtics pulled ahead by as many as 28 points before completing the 102-88 win.
Key Player
Miami’s defensive game plan is to limit Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The problem for the Heat is that they forgot about Derrick White.
White stole Miami’s playoff slogan and was White Hot Monday night while piling up a game-high 38 points. That number stands as not only a new playoff career high, but a new overall career high for the seventh-year guard.
White shot a scorching-hot 15-for-26 from the field, including an 8-for-15 performance from long distance. His eight 3-pointers were just one shy of Miami’s team total of nine.
That’s not the only category where White competed with Miami’s team total. He also blocked three shots to match all of Miami’s players combined in that category.
White rounded out his box score with four boards and three assists during his nearly 41 minutes of action.
Box Score Nuggets
- Both teams shot less than 42 percent from the field.
- Jayson Tatum (20 points, 11 rebounds) and Bam Adebayo (25 points, 17 rebounds) were the only players who logged double-doubles.
- Derrick White scored a career-high and game-high 38 points.
- White made eight 3s to fall just one shy of Miami's team total.
- White matched Miami's team total in blocked shots with three.
- Jrue Holiday totaled 10 points, six rebounds and a game-best six assists.
- Jaylen Brown led the game in plus/minus rating at plus-17.
- Tyler Herro scored 19 points for Miami.
- Boston made four more free throws (16) than Miami attempted (12).
- Boston led for the final 46:31 of the game.
- The Celtics outscored the Heat 16-8 in fast break points.
Quote of the Night
"Once you make a couple, the basket looks huge."
- Derrick White after scoring a career-high 38 points during Game 4