Derrick White Joins NBA History In Celtics’ Win Over Jazz
Derrick White has long been celebrated as the ultimate "glue guy," but on Tuesday night in Salt Lake City, he transcended that label to etch his name into the NBA record books. In a hard-fought 129-119 victory over the Utah Jazz, the Boston Celtics guard delivered a defensive masterpiece, recording a career-high seven blocks. The feat tied the all-time NBA single-game record for a guard, placing him alongside legends like Dennis Johnson, George Gervin, and Tracy McGrady.
While sharing the block record is impressive, White carved out his own unique slice of history. He became the first guard ever to compile a stat line of at least 27 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and seven blocks in a single game. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the season due to an Achilles injury, White has shouldered a heavier burden, and his two-way dominance was the difference-maker against a Jazz team led by Keyonte George, who exploded for 37 points.
White was everywhere on the floor, anchoring the defense like a rim-protecting center while orchestrating the offense. He saved his best for last, pouring in 13 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter to hold off a late Utah rally. His performance overshadowed a significant milestone for his backcourt mate, Jaylen Brown. Brown finished with 23 points and 10 assists, snapping his franchise-record streak of nine consecutive 30-point games—a run that tied him with Larry Bird.
Newcomer Anfernee Simons also contributed 20 points, providing crucial spacing. Yet, the night was defined by White’s instincts. Even after being posterized by Jazz rookie Walter Clayton Jr.—a play White joked "wasn't in the scouting report"—he remained fearless at the rim. In a season defined by adversity and roster shuffling, White’s historic night served as a reminder that the Celtics possess one of the league’s most versatile weapons, capable of dominating a game without solely relying on scoring.
While sharing the block record is impressive, White carved out his own unique slice of history. He became the first guard ever to compile a stat line of at least 27 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and seven blocks in a single game. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the season due to an Achilles injury, White has shouldered a heavier burden, and his two-way dominance was the difference-maker against a Jazz team led by Keyonte George, who exploded for 37 points.
White was everywhere on the floor, anchoring the defense like a rim-protecting center while orchestrating the offense. He saved his best for last, pouring in 13 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter to hold off a late Utah rally. His performance overshadowed a significant milestone for his backcourt mate, Jaylen Brown. Brown finished with 23 points and 10 assists, snapping his franchise-record streak of nine consecutive 30-point games—a run that tied him with Larry Bird.
Newcomer Anfernee Simons also contributed 20 points, providing crucial spacing. Yet, the night was defined by White’s instincts. Even after being posterized by Jazz rookie Walter Clayton Jr.—a play White joked "wasn't in the scouting report"—he remained fearless at the rim. In a season defined by adversity and roster shuffling, White’s historic night served as a reminder that the Celtics possess one of the league’s most versatile weapons, capable of dominating a game without solely relying on scoring.
