Celtics Head Coach Gives Update on Derrick White’s Injuries Following Scary Crash

January 15, 2023

Derrick White was ruled out for the rest of the game, and after the contest, head coach Joe Mazzulla provided an update.

Following a terrifying crash, the head coach of the Celtics provides an update on Derrick White’s injuries

Following a terrifying crash, the head coach of the Celtics provides an update on Derrick White's injuries

NEW ARTICLE: Is Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ready on Sunday’ game? Injuries Nets – Thunder

Saturday night’s blowout victory over the Charlotte Hornets increased the Boston Celtics’ winning streak to six games.

Although Jaylen Brown was sidelined due to an adductor strain, they still managed to pull out a 122-106 victory. When it came to scoring, Boston was led by Jayson Tatum and Malcolm Brogdon.

This victory, however, was tarnished by a terrifying incident that occurred early in the first quarter.

Derrick White tallied eight points in a hurry before colliding with Marcus Smart, who jarred White’s head in one direction. He collapsed, then got up and left on his own volition. Head coach Joe Mazzulla updated the team after the game and said White would not return.

It’s been said, “He’s good. I haven’t gotten a report back, but he’s okay,” Mazzulla told NBC Sports Boston. “I talked to him in the locker room. He’s doing better.”

With no further information available, the Celtics have officially declared him out with a neck strain. Although Mazzulla said he has spoken with White and gotten good feedback, Celtics fans can rest easy knowing that the guard has not sustained a long-term issue.

While the Celtics lost White, his backcourt partner made a significant contribution. Brogdon scored 30 points, a season high, and added 3 boards and 3 helpers. He made 11 of 17 shots overall and 4 of 6 threes.

At the same time, Tatum was Boston’s go-to guy, as he scored a game-high 33 points and added nine boards and six assists. He made 12 of 27 field goal attempts and 4 of 14 threes.

SEE MORE: Mavericks – Blazers Injuries: Is Luka Doncic, Damian Lillard keep shining?

Commentary on Payton Pritchard by Joe Mazzulla

Due to Brown’s injury, White, Brogdon, and Marcus Smart would have had to take on additional responsibilities. And now that White could miss some time with his neck injury, the Celtics will depend on their depth more than ever.

Payton Pritchard is one player Boston will look to heavily, and he may decide to use the upcoming stretch to cement his place in the starting lineup.

Although Pritchard has not been a mainstay in the Celtics’ rotation this year, head coach Joe Mazzulla lauded his patience and professionalism after Pritchard scored nine points in a recent victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

As Mazzulla put it to CLNS Media, “I said it before, as far as our depth, like, I trust those guys,” “And to have a great team, you got to have guys that have the humility to know when it’s their time to step up.

And when it’s their time not to. For Payton, I’m really happy for him. He’s maintained a level of professionalism, preparation, and just toughness to just stay the course.”

Jayson Tatum Sends Message to Celtics

Boston has one of the league’s most talented rosters, but in order to reach their full potential, individual players must make concessions. And if Tatum is to be believed, he is.

Tatum said on NBC Sports Boston, “Everybody has to sacrifice to be on a great team. “We have individual guys that come off the bench that could start on the majority of other teams.

We got guys that start that could average more on another team. But anybody will tell you how much fun and rewarding it was last year in the playoffs to keep advancing, keep winning, to make it to the finals.

And, no individual stat or accolade can measure up to being on a winning team that’s having fun. There’s nothing better than that.”