Spurs fans say that one was for Ray Allen
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 27: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics reacts to defeating the Miami Heat 104-103 in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals at Kaseya Center on May 27, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesEven with San Antonio missing the playoffs this season, leave it to a former Spur to have the shot of the postseason so far. Once San Antonio prodigal son, Derrick White, etched his name in Boston Celtic lore on Saturday, May 27, after tipping in teammate Marcus Smart’s errant jump shot to give the Celtics a 104-103 victory over the Miami Heat in Game 6.
The game-winning basket all but assured that the Eastern Conference Finals would be going to a historic Game 7, which will be played on Monday, May 29. And much of that, could be credited to White. The former Spur hit a trio of clutch three pointers and played his routine stellar defense as Boston pulled of the unthinkable inside the Kaseya Center in Miami.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 25: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics reacts to a three point basket during the first quarter M in game five of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 25, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesSince getting the start after Game 2, White is averaging 13.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals in 29.3 minutes per game. Now, those numbers don’t exactly scream superstar status but they are extremely vital when it comes to the playoffs, even if they tend to get overshadowed by the Celtics’ star power.
Not only did White’s shot open the door for Boston to become the first NBA team to rally back from an 0-3 deficit, but it was also just the second time in league history a buzzer-beater even happened with a team facing elimination at that very moment. According to Yahoo! Sports Nick Goss, the only other occasion was Michael Jordan’s legendary shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1989. Jordan at that time swished in a buzzer-beater in Game 5 of the Chicago Bulls’ first-round series versus the Cavs. You may have heard about it from a relative before.
As you could expect with a game like this, fans and media alike had plenty to say after the game on Twitter. Post online ranged from criticisms of Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler to praise of White and the Celtics for fighting their way back from their 3-0 deficit.