Get ready for an exciting NBA story! Derrick White's heroics propel the Celtics to victory over the Rockets, 114-93.
In a thrilling Wednesday night matchup, Derrick White stepped up big time for the Boston Celtics, scoring an impressive 28 points and hitting six 3-pointers. This performance was crucial, especially with star player Jaylen Brown sitting out due to a left hamstring injury.
But here's where it gets controversial... Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka was ejected from the game after receiving a double technical for arguing with the officials. And if that wasn't enough, Alperen Sengun also got tossed in the fourth quarter for yelling at an official after a no-call, resulting in two technical fouls.
The Celtics dominated the third quarter, going on an 18-3 run and extending their lead to 67-48. White and Baylor Scheierman were on fire, each draining two 3-pointers during that stretch. The Rockets' Amen Thompson tried to keep his team in it, but Boston's 10-1 spurt pushed the lead to 77-51 with four minutes left in the quarter.
White continued his hot streak, scoring the first eight points of that run, including two more 3-pointers. Reed Sheppard's loose ball foul near the end of the quarter added fuel to the fire, as Udoka received two technical fouls and was ejected. Boston capitalized on those fouls, converting four free throws to enter the fourth quarter with a comfortable 87-63 lead.
Kevin Durant, returning from a sprained left ankle, led the Rockets with 15 points. Sengun, who had a monster game on Monday with 39 points and 16 rebounds, contributed 13 points and nine rebounds. Neemias Queta had a double-double with 10 points and a career-high 19 rebounds, while Luka Garza added 19 points of his own.
And this is the part most people miss... the Celtics' depth and bench players stepped up big time to secure the win. With Brown out, they needed every contribution, and White, Scheierman, Queta, and Garza all delivered.
So, what do you think? Was White's performance a sign of things to come for the Celtics? Or was it just a flash in the pan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! The Celtics host Miami on Friday, while the Rockets take on Charlotte on Thursday. Will the Celtics continue their winning streak? Find out soon!
