Celtics Player Credits Joe Mazzulla for Empowering Him After Big Playoff Performance

Originally posted on WV Sports Now | By Mike Asti | Last updated 4/30/24

As the Boston Celtics are on the verge of moving on and winning their first round series against the Miami Heat, players are giving the credit to Joe Mazzulla.

On a team with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, it was Derrick White who led the way with 38 points in a critical game 4 win. And after the game, White made sure to recognize his head coach for empowering him to succeed to the highest level regardless of his role.

“Starts with Joe (Mazzulla). Ever since he took over, he’s just given me the most confidence. I can talk to him, he can talk to me. Our relationship gets better and better each day. It’s amazing to play for him & I love it,” said White to reporters on Monday night.

Derrick White credits Joe Mazzulla for helping him feel empowered in his role:

"Ever since he took over, he's just given me the most confidence … Our relationship is just getting better and better each day. It's amazing to play for him and I love it." pic.twitter.com/kgAMlCBsOJ

— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) April 30, 2024

Thanks to White’s big night, Boston won the game 1012-88 and now holds a commanding 3-1 series lead over a banged up Heat team. White was 15-for-26 from the field and also added eight threes, four rebounds and three assists.

To put White’s performance into perspective, his 38 points were more than the combination of what Tatum and Brown produced together.

Mazzulla, White, Tatum and Brown will try to close out Miami and win the series on Wednesday night. For any Mountaineer fan following WVU basketball alum Joe Mazzulla and his team, game 5 will tip off at 7:30 pm ET and will be televised nationally on TNT.

This article first appeared on WV Sports Now and was syndicated with permission.

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