BOSTON — Derrick White’s memorable dedication to the Boston Celtics’ championship drive last season came with a significant cost: one of his teeth. This toothless chapter of his life was revisited during Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
In the second quarter, with 7:13 remaining, White was forced to leave the court after an accidental elbow from Kelly Oubre Jr. caught him in the face while he was defending a layup. Replays disclosed the moment White was struck, instinctively grabbing his mouth and retrieving a small white object from the floor.
As White explained post-game, the object was a temporary bridge encompassing four teeth, which he had been using with the intention of installing permanent replacements. “I was supposed to go in like two weeks ago, but I kept delaying it,” White admitted.
This procrastination came at a price. “It’s not a pretty sight,” White noted, grateful for being able to shield the situation quickly. With a towel covering his face, White headed to the locker room. The Celtics announced he was likely to return for the second half, which he did commence and contributed 12 points alongside six assists by the end of the game.
White immediately understood the situation when it happened, and this clarity minimized his reluctance about rejoining the match. “Luckily they were right there. I picked them up,” White remarked, adding that he deliberated about how to proceed. With glue and his mouthpiece in place, he found himself ready to continue.
Rewind to the Celtics’ NBA Finals victory over Dallas, where White chipped a front tooth during Game 5, proving his body was a regular casualty on the basketball court. This recent incident occurred just a day following his personal career bests: 41 points and nine treys against Portland.
Jayson Tatum, White’s teammate, spoke highly of White’s resilience after reviewing the play. “Tough. Just to see someone deal with the same thing over and over again,” Tatum commented. “I was surprised he came back. But he’s a competitor, he always wants to play.”
Regardless of Thursday’s unfortunate event, White remains adamant about his court attire. “It was kind of a weird play,” he said. “The first one was pretty crazy. But this was not as intense. I should have visited the dentist sooner, and that’s what I get.”
