Boston knew they were getting a quality basketball player when they acquired Derrick White at the deadline in 2022, but nobody knew he was capable of performing at the level he has done over this season. But tonight, White took his game to a whole other level, he scored a career-high 38 points with eight 3s in a simply outstanding performance. Another important factor in Boston’s game four success was the continuation of their improved defensive effort as they held the Heat to less than 90 points for consecutive games and took themselves to a comfortable 3-1 series lead.
Throughout the regular season Boston was by far and away the best first quarter side in the NBA and they showed that in this one. It was White who contributed over half of the Celtics’ opening quarter tally, as he sunk four 3-pointers and completely took over the game. His incredible shooting opened up an early 10-point lead for the Celtics.
The second quarter showed the level of defence we saw throughout the first half of the previous game, with Miami being held to just 12 points in the second quarter. However, it was not all perfect for Boston as midway through the period Kristaps Porzinigis went down with what was later revealed to be a Soleus (calf) strain. Porzingis exited the game after just 13 minutes of playing time and never returned, Boston will be hoping for a speedy recovery with the conference semis and finals waiting.
The second half offered Boston the opportunity to continue to open up an even bigger advantage and they did just that in the third quarter. With Porzingis out indefinitely it was up to Al Horford to step up and fill in at the Center position and he did a superb job in the second half. Horford played 34 minutes grabbed 8 rebounds and nailed a couple of important 3s.
The Heat seem to have consistently worked down leads in fourth quarters across this series, and they did so again in this one. It was Bam Adebayo who delt most of the damage, as he took advantage of Boston’s lack of size without Porzingis. Adebayo performed excellently despite the loss finishing with 25 points and 17 rebounds. Although White was there again to burry one final 3-pointer to polish off yet another huge road win for the Celtics.
After probably the best night of his career White spoke to ESPN about his immaculate performance: “I made a couple of shots early. That always helps, once you have made a couple the basket looks huge”. After that successful victory in Miami, Boston will now head back to the TD Garden with the opportunity to close out the series in five games on Wednesday night.
By Will C
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