Derrick White delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 27 points, including 13 in the critical fourth quarter, and achieving a career-high seven blocks, leading the Boston Celtics to a 129-119 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. White’s remarkable stats made him only the 13th player in NBA history to record at least 27 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and seven blocks in a single game. He also made history as the first guard and Celtic to achieve this unique combination.
Jaylen Brown contributed significantly with 23 points and 10 assists, marking the end of his nine-game streak of scoring 30 points or more. His streak had placed him in a tie with Celtics legend Larry Bird, who also had nine consecutive 30-point games in the 1985 season.
For the Jazz, Keyonte George emerged as the standout player, scoring an impressive 37 points despite being listed as questionable before the game due to illness. Jusuf Nurkic added a season-high 26 points, while Lauri Markkanen contributed 22 points. However, Utah was missing some key players, including Svi Mykhailiuk and Kevin Love, and rookie Ace Bailey was sidelined due to a hip injury.
The Celtics capitalized on Utah’s defensive lapses, converting 13 Jazz turnovers into 23 points. Despite moments of exceptional shooting from both teams, defensive efforts from White and Neemias Queta, who recorded three steals, stood out amid otherwise loose defensive play.
The Celtics have now won five of their last six games and will continue their five-game road trip with a matchup against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. The Jazz, energized by their recent successes, will aim to bounce back as they face the Los Angeles Clippers on the same day.