David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Derrick White Earns First Career Triple-Double as Celtics Cruise Past Pistons
With the Celtics down multiple starters on Monday, the hosts deployed a first unit featuring Derrick White and Payton Pritchard in the backcourt, with Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet comprising the frontcourt.
Porzingis, returning after a five-game absence due to a right hamstring strain, generated eight points, including burying a pair of threes, in an opening shift that lasted 12 seconds beyond the midway mark in the period. He also grabbed five rebounds.
Derrick White, who assisted on the seven-foot-three center's makes from beyond the arc, dished out five helpers in the first frame. He also converted on 3/6 shots, matching Jaden Ivey and Malachi Flynn for the most points in the first quarter, with eight.
Eight players received playing time in the first 12 minutes for Boston, as Joe Mazzulla balanced his team being shorthanded, with this being Porzingis' first game back and the second night of a back-to-back.
When Xavier Tillman, one of the hosts' first subs of the evening, got his opportunity, he quickly impressed on defense, demonstrating his versatility at that end, walling off drives from faster perimeter players. His ability to do so has helped him acclimate to the Celtics' system on defense and will especially prove valuable in the playoffs.
After taking a 31-28 edge into the second quarter, the energy the hosts played with helped them build a double-digit advantage.
That includes Jaden Springer diving on the floor to recover a loose ball, gathering an offensive rebound and cleaning up a Pritchard missed three as the first half neared its close, effective help defense, and well-timed stunts, including multiple made by Svi Mykhailiuk, contributing to the hosts forcing five turnovers and manufacturing nine fast-break points in the first 24 minutes.
And with every shot White hoisted feeling like it was about to go in, as he knocked down 5/10 threes and put 17 points on the board, it became that much more challenging for the Pistons to keep up.
The former Colorado Buffalo also distributed seven assists and grabbed as many rebounds in the first half.
Brown matched White's scoring output, repeatedly bullying his way to the rim in transition.
While those two led the Celtics offensively, Boston's on-ball defense, impactful switches, and ability to consistently challenge shots kept Detroit from finding its rhythm.
The visitors entered intermission shooting just 40 percent from the field, including 4/16 (25 percent) from beyond the arc. They trailed 59-46 at the break.
After playing the game's first 6:12 before sitting the rest of the opening half and spending the end of the second frame on the stationary bike, Kristaps Porzingis stayed in for the duration of the third quarter.
The Latvian native swatted a Jaden Ivey attempt at the basket from behind, capitalized on a pair of threes, and chipped in nine points.
That includes three that helped the hosts stage an 8-0 run that included a behind-the-back dime from Pritchard to Tillman for a fast-break layup off a Brown gift-wrapped interception and Mykhailiuk burying a three from the left corner. That extended Boston's lead to 85-64 late in the third frame.
The hosts entered the final 12 minutes having broken the game open, leading 92-66.
Brown had 31 points through the first 36 minutes, leading all scorers. That included multiple left-handed finishes, making sure to let everyone in the building and the viewing audience know about it afterward.
The story of the fourth quarter was White's pursuit of his first-career triple-double. The sixth-year veteran had 22 points and 10 rebounds, and he just needed one more assist.
After multiple missed opportunities and Mazzulla leaving him in after a timeout and subbing Pritchard back in, White got his triple-double, dishing to his backcourt mate for a three from above the break. As soon as the former Oregon Duck made it, he pointed to his teammate, acknowledging the accomplishment.
White also registered his 5,000th career point during the final frame and had an emphatic rejection on a Flynn fast-break layup attempt.
From there, Pritchard and the extended rotation applied the finishing touches to Boston's 119-94 win.
Up next, the Celtics host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. That game will tip off at 7:30 EST.
Further Reading
Jaylen Brown Shares What's Fueling Career Year: 'Nothing in This World Gonna Break My Spirit'
Jayson Tatum Plays Entire Second Half vs. Suns: 'Don't Really Say That Many Times'
Jaylen Brown's Evolution Crucial to Celtics' Desire to Win with More Than Talent
Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented
Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'
Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot
Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans
Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
