Not only did the Celtics open 2025 with a tough four-game road trip, but they also had to face the Timberwolves without two key starters. That meant the guys had to adjust their roles and pick up the slack for those missing from Thursday’s Minnesota game.

Jayson Tatum was outstanding in the Celtics’ win over the Wolves; he was the best player on the field. But it was also Derrick White’s outstanding play that helped put the C’s ahead – especially in the fourth quarter. White scored 13 of his 26 points in the final frame, blocking shots to keep the Wolves from winning.

Of course, White is well documented as an all-rounder. He was at his best defensively throughout Thursday’s win as his activity level on the court was evident. This performance was much needed with Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis sidelined due to injuries. White admitted he hadn’t been playing his best ball lately, so he wanted to put his stamp on the game. He did that and then sometime on Thursday.

“Just part of the season,” White told reporters. “There are ups and downs, but somehow I just felt like I needed to do a little more. And I feel like you’re always your own worst critic. So just try to get a little better and come here with the right attitude and the right energy and just try to help us win games.”

White finished 10th among East guards in the first fan vote for the All-Star Game. Realistically, he still has a lot of ground to make up when it comes to being named an All-Star starter.

But games like Thursday don’t hurt when it comes to his All-Star candidacy down the line. There’s also a chance he could be selected as a reserve, which is possible if he gets hot next month. White finished with 26 points and two blocks while shooting 5 of 10 on 3-pointers, including a buried shot with two minutes left to seal the win.

All-Star or not, the Celtics need more of that aggressive, intentional white for the rest of January. The C’s struggled in December with an 8-6 record, including a 6-4 home record. The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the remainder of this road trip, including a game against the Rockets in Houston on Friday. But a win over a troublesome Wolves team helps, as the Celtics got stellar play from two of their best players in Tatum and White.

“Derrick is so important to our team,” Tatum said. “I think the rest of the league and the rest of the world understands his value, how talented he is and how much he contributes to us every night. “We’re just very lucky to have someone like D-White with the ball can handle it and stops the boys from dribbling. He’s obviously an excellent shooter, which is what he does on defense. He’s just a great player. He makes big plays late in the game.”

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