He's carried us for a while: Joe Mazzulla on Derrick White's role with the Boston Celtics
Derrick White did not exactly have the sort of leap on offense many fans of the team were expecting from him this season with the Boston Celtics in the absence of injured star forward Jayson Tatum. But a lot of the reason why that has been the case is due to the load White has been carrying on the defensive end of the court.
Some, of course, has been due to the Colorado native taking on a bigger role while Tatum is out, but in Boston’s 146-101 win vs. the Washington Wizards on Thursday (Dec. 4) night, White showed he can turn on the juice on the offensive end of the court when needed as well, putting up a season-high 30 points alongside 7 rebounds, 9 assists, and a steal. After the game, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla had some words about how White has been rounding into form this season. “I think he has a lot of responsibility,” said Mazzulla via CLNS Media.
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“I think he’s carried us for a while as far as leading the team in steals, leading the team in blocks, doing everything defensively,” added the Celtics coach.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 16: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics talks with head coach Joe Mazzulla during the second half against the LA Clippers at TD Garden on November 16, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Clippers 121-118. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“He does a really good job of knowing when to take over and went to facilitate,” continued Mazzulla. “And he could be a steadying force. He can go on a run by himself … but he’s got that it factor at times.”
“So tonight I thought In the middle of second quarter, it’s when he went on his run. And I felt like we put the ball in his hands. We’ll make great things, and he started out the half in the third quarter, doing a lot of that, but he’s playing well offensively for us.”
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: He’s carried us: Mazzulla on Derrick White’s role with Celtics