Celtics' Derrick White ties underrated NBA record in win vs. Jazz

The Boston Celtics have navigated life without Jayson Tatum well thus far.

Boston’s 2025-26 expectations were lowered once Tatum was diagnosed with a devastating Achilles injury in May, but the 2024 NBA champions are in a far better position than many anticipated. 

Although Jaylen Brown has been the franchise’s best player to start the year, Derrick White’s contributions deserve the appropriate attention. The Colorado product has been a respectable No. 2 scoring option for the Celtics, averaging 18.1 points, 5.1 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in 30 contests. 

White, who recorded 27 points, seven rebounds, seven blocks, and six assists against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, recently tied an underrated NBA record. 

“Derrick White just tied the NBA record for the most blocks in a game by a guard ever,” Real Sports stated on X/Twitter. 

White has emerged as one of the best shot-blocking guards in the NBA. The 31-year-old guard is on pace to average at least one block per game for the third consecutive season. 

Dependable help-side, transition, and on-ball defense go a long way toward wreaking havoc on that end of the floor, which White has clearly discovered.

Assuming the former San Antonio Spurs first-round pick continues to hold his weight defensively while playing to his strengths offensively, the Celtics will be in good shape moving forward.

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