The Boston Celtics may be navigating a difficult shooting slump from one of their key guards, but their belief in Derrick White has not wavered—even as his struggles from beyond the arc continue into the playoffs.
Despite inconsistent shooting numbers, White remains central to Boston’s championship ambitions. The veteran guard has found himself battling through one of the toughest stretches of his career from three-point range, yet his role within the team has not diminished. Instead, his teammates and coaching staff have doubled down on their trust in his all-around impact.
Shooting slump under the spotlight
White’s shooting efficiency has dipped noticeably, carrying over from the regular season into the postseason. After posting one of the lowest three-point percentages of his career during the campaign, his playoff form has dipped even further, converting just a fraction of his attempts from long distance.
However, the Celtics are not concerned about shot selection or confidence. The looks are still there, and the message from within the locker room is clear—keep shooting.
Jayson Tatum has been vocal in his support, encouraging White to stay aggressive and trust the process. The belief is that, over time, his shooting will naturally correct itself.
Impact beyond scoring
While his perimeter shooting has struggled, White’s contributions in other areas have remained crucial. In Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers, he delivered a series of key plays late in the game that helped secure a vital win for Boston.
Most notably, his effort on the offensive glass resulted in second-chance opportunities that directly translated into points during crunch time. Those hustle plays proved just as important as any made shot, reinforcing his value to the team.
Defensively, White has also carried a heavy workload. Tasked with guarding dynamic opponents and navigating constant pick-and-roll situations, he continues to play a vital role in Boston’s defensive schemes.
Unwavering trust from the Celtics
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has made it clear that White’s place in the lineup is non-negotiable. Even during difficult stretches, there has been no consideration of reducing his role, a testament to how highly the organization values his overall game.
Mazzulla emphasized that White’s influence goes far beyond scoring, pointing to his competitiveness, defensive versatility, and ability to make winning plays in key moments.
That sentiment is echoed throughout the roster. Players within the team recognize that White’s impact cannot be measured solely by shooting percentages. His presence on both ends of the floor remains essential to Boston’s success.
Confidence remains the key
For White, the approach remains simple: trust his routine and continue playing the right way. Drawing on habits built over years of development, he is focused on staying aggressive and letting the game come to him.
The Celtics are confident that his shooting will eventually rebound, but even if it takes time, they know he will continue to influence games in other meaningful ways.
As Boston pushes deeper into the playoffs, their faith in Derrick White could prove pivotal. In a postseason where every possession matters, players who can contribute beyond scoring often make the difference—and the Celtics believe White is exactly that kind of player.
