Celtics-Heat takeaways: Derrick White stars on both ends in gritty win originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
BOSTON — The Celtics-Heat rivalry has picked up right where it left off.
In their first meeting since Game 7 of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, Boston and Miami duked it out in a seesaw affair at TD Garden, with the Celtics pulling away late to secure a 119-111 win in their 2023-24 home opener.
All five Celtics starters reached double figures in a game that featured six tie scores and six lead changes. Derrick White (a game-high 28 points), Jaylen Brown (27) and Jayson Tatum (22) each surpassed the 20-point mark, while Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday contributed 17 points each. While Tyler Herro (28 points) and Bam Adebayo (27 points) had strong performances for Miami, the Celtics managed to limit the impact of the Heat’s role players, improving their record to 2-0 in the young season.
The Celtics will face the Washington Wizards on Monday night. Now, let’s dive into our analysis of the thrilling victory at TD Garden.
Derrick White Shines on Both Ends
Derrick White once again proves himself as a clutch player against the Miami Heat.
The hero of Game 6 of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals replicated his performance on Friday night by shouldering the scoring load for the Celtics. White scored 8 consecutive points early in the fourth quarter, giving Boston a six-point lead. He dominated the fourth quarter by sinking three crucial 3-pointers, contributing 14 points to the Celtics’ 32-point fourth quarter and sealing their victory.
White also showcased his defensive prowess with two incredible chase-down blocks on Jimmy Butler. One occurred in the first quarter, and the other came in the crucial fourth quarter.
White’s impressive stat line included 28 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks. It’s worth noting that White didn’t make ESPN’s Top 100 players list, despite his exceptional performance.
Jaylen Brown’s Redemption
After a difficult Game 1 against the New York Knicks, Jaylen Brown bounced back in Friday night’s matchup. His All-Star teammate, Jayson Tatum, had confidence in Brown’s abilities, and he was proven right.
Although Brown’s night started slow with a 1-for-5 shooting performance and four turnovers, he displayed more aggression on the court. He attacked the basket and scored 18 of his 27 points inside the arc. Defensively, Brown was active, securing a team-high three steals, including an impressive swipe of an inbound pass towards the end of the first half.
When it mattered most, Brown stepped up in the fourth quarter and contributed 12 points, making crucial baskets down the stretch. Together with White, he scored all but six of Boston’s fourth-quarter points.
Oshae Brissett’s Impactful Debut
The Celtics initially struggled in the first quarter but quickly found their momentum thanks to Oshae Brissett.
In his first game for the Celtics, Brissett provided an immediate boost off the bench. His energetic play led to a 10-0 run that erased the Heat’s early 13-point lead. Brissett’s first basket as a Celtic was an emphatic slam, showcasing his athleticism.
While Brissett isn’t known for his offensive prowess, his hustle on both ends of the court positively influenced the Celtics against a tough Miami team. Expect Brissett to inject energy into the lineup whenever the top six players need a lift, similar to what Aaron Nesmith provided during his time in Boston.
Oshae Brissett hype train spotted at north station 🚉
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) October 28, 2023
Weak Bench Production
Once again, the Celtics struggled to find significant contributions from their bench players.
The bench players combined for only eight points on 3-of-11 shooting. Al Horford went 0-for-6 in 25 minutes of play. Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser provided three points each, with Brissett’s dunk being the only other notable scoring contribution.
Miami’s bench didn’t fare much better, scoring a total of 20 points. However, Duncan Robinson and Dru Smith each added nine points, helping the Heat stay competitive when their starters were resting.
To preserve their starters and prevent excessive fatigue, the Celtics will need more from their bench players moving forward.
