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Boston Celtics

Player of the Game: Derrick White excels at both ends in Celtics’ Game 1 win

By Matt Dolloff
Apr 15, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) shoots the ball over Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (13) during the third quarter of game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

If the Boston Celtics get this version of Derrick White throughout the playoffs, they are going to be incredibly tough to beat.

Point guard Derrick White excelled for the Celtics at both ends of the floor in Game 1 on Saturday, earning the first “Player of the Game” distinction of the 2023 playoffs from 98.5 The Sports Hub. White was second on the team with 24 points, on an efficient 7-of-13 (53.8 percent) from the floor.

White added five rebounds, seven assists, and two blocked shots, while shooting 4-of-7 from three-point range. The 24 points were a new playoff high for him as a Celtic, and the second-highest output of his career.

  • Arguably more important, however, was White’s defense, which often came in 1-on-1 matchups against Hawks star Trae Young. White and the C’s made Young uncomfortable, limiting his space and forcing him into less-than-ideal shot selections.

    “We just tried to be solid on him,” White said on the Celtics’ defense against Young. “He’s a great player, we know that. We know he’s going to make some adjustments, and we need to make some adjustments as well, to continue to make it tough on him. But, he’s a great player, he’s going to make tough shots, and we’ve just got to continue to make it tough on him.”

    Young finished with just 16 points on 5-of-18 shooting. By the second half, he was mostly trying to pass the ball off, as the Celtics stifled his usually-elite shooting.

  • BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 15: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics defends a shot from Dejounte Murray #5 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on April 15, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

    BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 15: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics defends a shot from Dejounte Murray #5 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on April 15, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

  • It was really a team effort to contain Young, and to hold the Hawks as a team to just 38.8 percent shooting. Marcus Smart also dominated defensively, with three steals and two blocks while committing only one foul.

    But if they’re going to continue to get such a strong two-way performance from White, on top of their stars’ usual dominance, it’s going to be a quick series for the C’s.

    The Celtics and Hawks will tip off again next Tuesday night at 7 p.m. ET at TD Garden for Game 2.

  • BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 15: Al Horford #42, Derrick White #9 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics talk during the second quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on April 15, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

    BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 15: Al Horford #42, Derrick White #9 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics talk during the second quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on April 15, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

  • Click here for complete Boston Celtics coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

    Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

NEXT: Celtics Ride Dominant First Half To Victory In Game 1

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