As the Boston Celtics prepare for a pivotal Game 6 against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, all eyes are on one key player: Derrick White. After a disappointing loss in Game 5, the Celtics have a golden opportunity to close out the series on their home court. But to do so, they'll need their star guard to rediscover his shooting touch.
White has been in a major slump this postseason, shooting just 21% from beyond the arc—a staggering drop from his career playoff average of 39.5%. Over the course of the playoffs, he's been averaging 6.6 three-point attempts per game but is only connecting on 1.4 of them. For a player known for his reliable deep ball, this cold streak has been a significant drain on Boston's offensive flow.
During today's shootaround, White was spotted putting up extra threes, clearly working to regain the form that made him such a valuable asset during the regular season. He's been open about his struggles, telling Celtics on CLNS, "It's easy to say just go out there and have fun, but there are a lot of different things that go into it... It's up to me to play the way I know I can."
The good news for Celtics fans? Even a modest improvement could be a game-changer. If White can hit just two or three more of his open looks, it would not only boost Boston's deep-ball efficiency but also force the 76ers to respect his shot again. That, in turn, would open up driving lanes for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, making the entire offense more dynamic.
White's shooting woes have led to defenses sagging off him, daring him to shoot. But if he finds his rhythm in Game 6, it could be the final nail in Philadelphia's coffin. For the Celtics, it's not just about winning tonight—it's about sending a message that they're ready to advance. And for White, it's about proving that even in a slump, a true shooter is never more than one game away from breaking through.
