How Derrick White’s shooting impacts Celtics’ chances to close out 76ers in Game 6

The Boston Celtics have a couple hours before they face off against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 6 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. With that in mind, they better be ready to close out the series after failing to win the last game.

One way to ensure victory would be one recently unsuccessful player to finally break through: star guard Derrick White. White has been struggling this playoff run, and if he can start to fix that, his place with the Celtics would remain solid.

White has to hit his threes

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White was seen taking threes in Boston’s shootaround earlier today, trying to regain his regular season form. It seems he realizes his shooting is pulling the Celtics down, and he needs to correct that.

White is attempting 6.6 threes this postseason on average, and is only hitting 1.4. If he could just hit two or three more, they could be the shots that help the Celtics hit their deep ball quota. That would be the difference between winning and losing for Boston. 

White has been struggling

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White has struggled heavily this playoff run, and he’s been pretty open about it. He talked about his struggles in an interview, stating it’s up to him to return to his normal form.

“It's easy to say just go out there and have fun, but there are a lot of different things that go into it. So definitely thankful for the teammates I have to keep me going and have my back. It's up to me ... to play the way I know I can,” White said (via Celtics on CLNS).

White has been shooting 21% from deep this postseason, a near 20% drop from his postseason career percentage of 39.5. 

Celtics should still be hopeful anyways

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Even if White doesn’t find his shot in Game 6, the Celtics should still be confident in their ability to win. White finding his shot would just be the final nail in the coffin for Philly, as he has been left open due to his poor shooting.

If he starts to hit them, it opens up the C’s offense even more. Basically, it would just be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Hopefully, Boston comes to play tonight, and makes sure to advance to the next round.

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