Derrick White's Hard Fall Raises Injury Concerns During Celtics’ Victory Over Clippers
The Boston Celtics' recent 126-94 victory against the LA Clippers was overshadowed by an unsettling moment involving Derrick White. In the first half of the game, the 30-year-old shooting guard took a hard fall following a collision with Clippers’ Ivica Zubac. The injury sent shockwaves through the TD Garden crowd as White stayed down on the court, prompting immediate attention from the Celtics' medical team.
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| USA Today via Reuters |
Derrick White's Fall and Immediate Response
The fall occurred during a fast-paced play when White and Zubac clashed mid-air. White, who has been a key figure in the Celtics' success this season, remained on the floor for a noticeable amount of time. The referees reviewed the play for a possible foul, and after deliberation, they called a foul on Zubac. However, Clippers’ head coach Tyronn Lue challenged the call. The challenge was successful, and the Clippers retained possession.
Despite the alarming moment, White was able to recover and return to the game. He continued to play without showing signs of discomfort and even celebrated a critical 3-point shot with his signature “look in the pockets” gesture. At the end of the game, White had contributed 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists in 31 minutes of play, playing an integral role in the Celtics' dominant performance.
White’s Injury History and Toughness
This recent fall was concerning, but White’s history of resilience is well-documented. Earlier in his career, he played through ankle issues during the 2024 NBA Finals and famously remarked after chipping a tooth in a loose-ball scramble, “I’d lose all my teeth for a championship.” His toughness has made him a fan favorite and a reliable contributor for the Celtics. Head coach Joe Mazzulla has often praised White's leadership on the court, noting that his plays—whether offensive or defensive—define the identity of the team.
Despite occasional injuries, White's role in the Celtics' high-performing season cannot be overstated. His versatility and ability to make critical plays have earned him the trust of his teammates and coaches. The Celtics have posted an impressive 15-3 record this season, and White's continued health is vital for the team's playoff aspirations.
Celtics' Success Amid Injury Concerns
White’s performance this season has been a key factor in the Celtics’ success, as the team has weathered the injury struggles that have plagued many other franchises. A potential injury to White raised concern among fans, but fortunately, it appears that the fall was not serious. Still, the incident highlights the physicality and risks inherent in the game, particularly with the increased intensity of the NBA regular season.
The Celtics now face a challenging stretch with a number of tough games on the horizon, including matchups against the Minnesota Timberwolves and other playoff contenders. As long as White remains healthy, the team can continue to rely on his steady contributions, both on offense and defense, to keep up their momentum.
Looking Ahead
Boston’s success is built on strong team chemistry, and White’s ability to make the big play in crucial moments is indispensable. Head coach Mazzulla’s faith in White is evident, as he sees the shooting guard as a key part of the team’s overall identity. With White back in action, Celtics fans can breathe a sigh of relief as they look forward to another solid run in the competitive Eastern Conference.
As Derrick White continues to play through adversity, his unwavering determination has proven to be a cornerstone of the Celtics' high expectations for this season. Fans will no doubt hope that his recovery from this fall is swift and that his contributions continue to propel the team toward another successful postseason run.