Derrick White Calls Celtics Coach a Genius and a Madman!

Derrick White’s evolution into an effective two-way guard for the Celtics highlights the significant influence of coach Joe Mazzulla. Mazzulla has empowered White, encouraging him to play confidently and take more three-pointers. Although it took some time for White to become comfortable with his shooting, the Celtics’ proximity to winning their 18th championship banner proves Mazzulla’s approach has been successful.

After the Celtics’ Game 3 victory over the Mavericks, White praised Mazzulla, calling him a “basketball genius.” White explained, “Whatever he says, I’m going to try to just do it to my highest capabilities. We just try to make the right basketball play every time down the court, whether that’s a 3, but just trying to have the right spacing and just make the right basketball play.”

Mazzulla’s influence extends beyond individual players to the entire team. Known for embracing adversity, Mazzulla remained composed even when the Mavericks reduced a 21-point Celtics lead to just one point in the fourth quarter. White humorously noted that Mazzulla, being a “sicko,” probably enjoyed the challenge.

White has consistently expressed his trust in Mazzulla throughout the season. With the Celtics just one win away from their championship goal, they’ve maintained their focus and process. White emphasized Mazzulla’s consistency, saying, “He’s probably so happy that it happened like that so he can just continue to tell us that. But he just stays consistent. He just makes the right calls, and we just trust him completely.”