After seeing the Celtics' victory against the Lakers, we say to ourselves that Brad Stevens was right to insist on recovering Kristaps Porzingis. The Latvian is a real headache for defenses, already very busy monitoring Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. As a bonus, Kristaps Porzingis demonstrates every evening that he has become a true “two-way player”, capable of weighing on defense through his coverage and his protection of the circle.
Exactly like Derrick White, author of 18 points and 11 assists against the Lakers. The former Spurs guard is no longer far from an All-Star selection, and Kristaps Porzingis is full of praise for his new teammate.
“I didn’t realize how good D-White was” confides inside Boston. “He is unique in the way he plays. 90% of the time, he makes the right move, and he's the perfect teammate. Plus, he shoots with high percentages, and he's super efficient. He's special, and I'm happy to have Jrue and D-White on my team. »
“People who really understand basketball really appreciate what he does on the court.”
Every night, Derrick White blackens the stats sheet, and today he is one of the most complete guards in the league with 16.6 points, 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.3 interceptions. All while shooting 49%, including 42% from 3-point range! Will it be enough to win your first star in February?
“He has improved and is playing incredible since the start of the season, especially at the end of the match,” underlines KP. “I think we don't notice it, because the statistics aren't incredible. They are, though, and people who really understand basketball really appreciate what he does on the court.”
What Joe Mazzulla appreciates about Derrick White is his ability to unblock a situation.
“When we are static, we opt for pick-and-rolls with Derrick. I also really appreciate him, Jrue and I communicating throughout the game about defensive coverages, the systems we want to put in place, the players we want to involve… He also does a really good job organizing the offense depending on coverages, match-ups and which players need the ball. »
