‘He Has a Lot of Responsibility’ – Boston Celtics Coach is Not Surprised by Derrick White’s All-Around Performance Vs. Washington Wizards

With Jaylen Brown on the sidelines due to an illness, White took charge and contributed a game-high 30 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, and five three-pointers on 12-for-21 shooting from the field in 29 minutes of action.

“He has a lot of responsibility,” Mazzulla said of White via Taylor Snow of Celtics.com. “I think he’s carried us for a while as far as leading the team in steals, leading the team in blocks, doing everything defensively. He does a really good job of just knowing when to kind of take over and when to facilitate. And he could be a steadying force, or he could go on a run by himself.”

Dec 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

“I try to be a two-way player, doing whatever it takes on both sides,” White stated. “I don’t think there’s ever a game where I’m not going to be needed defensively. But definitely a lot more on the ball this game, and try to create and just get us into the offense. Obviously, with JB out, it’s a little different.”

Boston Celtics News: Jordan Walsh continues to shine in the starting unit

Jordan Walsh was playfully dubbed “Jordan Walshington” as he once again provided quality minutes in the starting lineup. The 21-year-old guard put up 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting in 30 minutes of action.

Dec 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jordan Walsh (27) dunks the ball as Washington Wizards guard CJ McCollum (3) looks on in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

“I thought Jordan set the tone for us on both ends of the floor,” Mazzulla said of Walsh. “He was unscreenable. He did a great job making plays defensively, and I thought offensively he did a great job.”

“He’s had a lot of reps and some time of knowing, ‘Is the 5 on me? Is a small on me? Are they switching me? Are they maintaining?’ He’s doing a real good job in real time of understanding what those reads are and understanding what the screening technique that goes with it,” he added.