‘All people was on board with it’: Derrick White mentioned why he was OK with lineup change in Celtics’ Recreation 6 win

White informed reporters Saturday that Mazzulla knowledgeable him of the lineup change earlier than it grew to become official. He understood why the change was made and that it helped the Celtics put together for Recreation 7 as a substitute of packing their issues up from their lockers this weekend.

“I feel all of us knew it was an choice,” White mentioned of the lineup change. “You’ve acquired a man like Rob in your staff it’s all the time an choice. We wished to go along with that double-big lineup and everyone was on board with it.”

White arguably had a profession yr and was a key a part of the Celtics profitable 57 video games within the common season. He scored 12.4 factors per sport whereas taking pictures 46.2 % from the sector and 38.1 % from deep. On high of that, his sturdy protection earned him second-team All-Protection honors.

However White had a pair of shaky offensive performances within the Celtics’ losses in Video games 1 and 5, scoring 12 complete factors on 3-of-11 taking pictures over these two video games. With the Celtics struggling to cease Joel Embiid close to the basket, inserting the double-big lineup made sense as Williams shaded off of P.J. Tucker to assist Al Horford guard Embiid. It additionally clogged up the lane, making it more durable for 76ers guards James Harden and Tyrese Maxey to drive to the basket.

With the change to Williams within the beginning lineup working, White appeared completely OK taking a lowered position.

“I’ve all the time simply been, it’s all in regards to the staff,” White mentioned. “It’s not about me. It’s been that manner all yr, so regardless of the staff wants, I’m all in.”

White performed in simply 19 minutes on Thursday, his fourth-fewest in a sport this season outdoors of video games the place he was pulled early for relaxation or left early on account of an harm. However he was nonetheless efficient, scoring 9 factors on an environment friendly 3-of-6 taking pictures (making 3-of-5 3-pointers) and including in a block plus a steal.

Despite the fact that enjoying off the bench has been uncommon for him the season, White doesn’t assume there’s an excessive amount of of a distinction between being a starter and a job participant off the bench.

“I don’t assume it modifications an excessive amount of,” White mentioned when requested a few doable change in strategy between the 2 roles. “It’s [still] enjoying with the identical guys. So, I don’t attempt to change an excessive amount of. I simply attempt to go on the market and assist us win.”

Now {that a} Recreation 7 date has been secured, White is able to get going for Sunday’s tilt at TD Backyard.

“I’m excited,” White mentioned. “It was loud in Philly, but it surely’s an entire different degree once you come again dwelling right here. So, I’m excited for it.”