As Derrick White goes, so go the Celtics

NBA: Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks

Jan 25, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Kevin Jairaj/Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Celtics just wrapped up a successful 3-1 road trip against Western Conference teams, bringing their total record on western road trips to an impressive 6-2 this season. While there’s been some negativity surrounding the team’s recent performances, it’s important to put things in perspective.

Sure, we’d all love to see a perfect 4-0 sweep, but going 3-1 on a West Coast swing is nothing to sneeze at. The Celtics are still only 4.5 games out of first place, and with half a season left to play, that’s far from an insurmountable gap.

They found their groove against the Dallas Mavericks with a solid 122-107 win, putting up a whopping 103 shots! That’s not just good offense; that’s a team firing on all cylinders.

The dynamic duo of Derrick White and Jrue Holiday was on fire. White’s impact was most evident in the third quarter, where he scored 16 points, helping the Celtics pull away decisively. His ability to hit crucial shots and make smart plays is a barometer for the team’s success. When White and Holiday combine for big numbers, it’s almost a guaranteed win for the Celtics. In this game, they put up 40 combined points.

White’s performance wasn’t just about scoring; it was about making the right reads and trusting his teammates. The Celtics’ offense thrives on ball movement and creating opportunities, and White was at the heart of it all. His ability to read the defense and make quick decisions kept the Mavericks on their toes and allowed the Celtics to maintain their lead.

We’re not perfect yet, but games like this show what we’re capable of when we’re locked in. The challenge now is to build on this momentum and string together consistent performances. With the All-Star break around the corner, it’s the perfect time to hit our stride.

For more insights and a deeper dive into the Celtics’ resurgence, tune into the Locked On Celtics podcast for this and much more.

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