Derrick White got his face smashed in for Celtics to prove how bad he wants a ring
Boston is closing in on No. 18, and Derrick White is doing everything he can to get the Celtics over the top
The Boston Celtics have a chance Monday night to capture their 18th NBA Finals title. And they are putting it all on the line in pursuit of that championship.
Literally.
With the minutes ticking down in the first half, Boston held a 52-39 lead over the visiting Dallas Mavericks in Game 5, and were locked in on the defensive end. Dallas forward P.J. Washington stumbled off the dribble and tried to shove a pass in the direction of Dereck Lively, but the ball was knocked loose by Jayson Tatum.
In the ensuing melee for the loose ball, Derrick White of the Celtics absolutely laid out trying to corral the ball, before catching an entire face full of the parquet floor at T.D. Garden:
CHAMPIONSHIP EFFORT FROM BOSTON
— NBA (@NBA) June 18, 2024
Game 5 LIVE on ABC pic.twitter.com/UvJwkoWOmM
If you dare, you can watch the close-up replay of White’s effort:
— Gonzalo Vázquez (@GVazquezNY) June 18, 2024
In the moment, it looked as if Boston would lose the player that has been the “oomph” of their roster since he was acquired via trade during the 2022 season. White made his way to the Celtics bench after staying down on the floor for a moment, and was looked at by Celtics trainers:
Derrick White was bleeding after Dereck Lively fell on him on this play. #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/ilOpVEbKdA
— ESPN (@espn) June 18, 2024
He returned to the game immediately after.
And buried a three moments later to give Boston a 60-42 lead.
Look at this guy:
Derrick White chipped his tooth after hitting his face on the court pic.twitter.com/BkFnrkVcMs
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 18, 2024
Between that and another heave at the buzzer from Payton Pritchard, Boston has had one heck of a first half.
After the Celtics closed out the Mavericks to secure their 18th title, White addressed the play with Lisa Salters, and dropped a line for the ages:
"I'd lose all my teeth for a championship."
— NBA (@NBA) June 18, 2024
Whatever it takes for Derrick White pic.twitter.com/cbtdpRVOCM