NBA EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS: CELTICS VS. HEAT

May 23, 2022

Derrick White

Boston Celtics

Game 4: Postgame

Celtics 102, Heat 82

Q. You had said this morning that you wanted to be more aggressive, certainly starting the game with the team's first seven points, how good did that feel for you and was that your mindset coming in for the rest of the game?

DERRICK WHITE: Yeah, I said this morning, if I was going to fail, I was going to do it aggressively and just try to get back to how I play. Obviously got off to a good start, and just tried to just keep it going for 48 minutes.

Q. Since you got traded to Boston, Robert Williams said he's tried to go out of his way to make you comfortable. What have been the challenges, not just off the court and learning about the guys, but on the court, too, being comfortable, playing your game the way you've always done it with a new set of teammates that are probably a little more talented than you had in San Antonio?

DERRICK WHITE: Yeah, I mean, you kind of get thrown in middle of the year, no training camp, nothing. They've got something that they've established, been playing I don't know how many months together throughout the year. You kind of just learn it on the fly, try not to step on any toes, which kind of sets you back personally.

From time to time you just kind of step back. But the team has done a great job of just being like, no, just be you. Smart said it to me this morning, Rob said it. I've just got to do that. That makes it a lot easier.

Q. Did the Playoffs kind of challenge you in that way, the way some of the teams have been guarding you, just to try to fight through that and still be you through all that?

DERRICK WHITE: Yeah, I mean, each game is a little different, each series is a little different. I mean, game to game, just try to stay consistent. I've had some ups and downs, but try to come into these games with the right mindset and just do whatever it takes to help us win. Whether I do well or do bad, as long as we win, I'm happy.

Q. Obviously a first-time dad, new kid, all of that. A lot of fans wanting to talk about that. Is there anything to dad energy to when you play well?

DERRICK WHITE: I hope so. He's been a super blessing to myself and my family. I can't wait to go home and see him and just hold him. It's cool just to watch him. I'm excited to see how he grows.

Q. The percentage of shots at the rim right now in this postseason are at a 20-year low. Can you speak to how challenging it is to get to the basket in the postseason right now?

DERRICK WHITE: Yeah, I mean, especially these last couple series. Milwaukee had those two bigs, Giannis and Brook, who are good rim protectors, and they were always down there, and then obviously this series they're heavy shifting, making the driving lanes look congested.

I mean, that's just kind of where the basketball has been evolving over the years. A lot more threes, less mid-range or whatever. It's probably going to just keep going that way for a little bit.