Derrick White Leads As Celtics Defeat Miami Heat In A Rematch Of The Eastern Conference Finals

Derrick White

The Boston Celtics had their 2nd straight win as they started the season. They prevailed 119-111 over the Miami Heat on Friday. Derrick White ended with 28 points. This included 5 3-pointers as the Celtics marshaled their resources to finally beat the Miami team.

Jayson Tatum ended the day with 22 points in the latest match-up of their Eastern rivals. They have met in the conference finals 3 times out of the last 4 seasons. Derrick White ended with 28 points while Jaylen Brown pitched in with 27 points with 6 rebounds. At 22 points was Jayson Tatum in the games involving the bitter East rivals. They have met 3 times out of the last 4 seasons.

Turnover By Derrick White Gave Ball Back To Miami

They split their 4 meetings the previous season. Miami emerged from the playoffs following a slugfest lasting 7 games in which they saw their 3-nil advantage go up in smoke before they beat the Celtics in Boston in Game Seven to finally advance to its 7th NBA Finals. The Friday matchup, which is the first of the three times that they have met this season, seemed more like a continuation of that series last season.

None of the two teams could take a commanding lead and had to be restricted within five points at the close of the first 3 periods. Both teams were close to the 50% mark with their field shootings. On that night there were a record 6 changes in lead and 6 ties. Tyler Herro had 28 points. He had sat out of the conference finals due to an injury he sustained in his arms. He also scored 5 of the 16 three-pointers scored by Miami. Miami were 88-87 up as they entered the 4th quarter. Soon Boston were up 96-90 thanks to Derrick White, who scored 8 straight times for the Celtics.