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6 factors behind the Boston Celtics incredible turnaround

By Rob Greene

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 11: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics look on during the first half of a game against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on February 11, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 11: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics look on during the first half of a game against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on February 11, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 16: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics warms up before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on March 16, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

6 factors behind the Boston Celtics incredible turnaround: Bench pieces

Another former member of both San Antonio and the USA Select Team is Derrick White. The veteran has been a part of the Celtics crunch-time lineup early-on in his tenure.

Brad Stevens mentioned that the team has liked White for some time now due to his fit with Boston’s style of play. And so far, it seems as though Stevens was spot on.

One of the main knocks on White has been his three-point shot. Since joining the Celtics, White has shot a career-worst 22 percent from three, but he is second on the team to Horford in midrange shooting at 54 percent.

He is also shooting a career-best 67percent at the rim, White is a great complimentary piece alongside Boston’s main five, not only because of the previous chemistry but also his ability to defend multiple positions as a combo-guard.

White is also a good passer and rebounder and has plenty of point guard skills, as he is tasked with keeping the ball moving off the bench. So, while his three-point shot will almost surely come around, everything else he provides makes up for it, regardless.

He and Grant Williams have become the Celtics’ first two off the bench every game.

Williams has been one of the NBA’s best three-point shooters throughout the season, as he is now fourth in the league at 44 percent. Plus, he is the only player in the league shooting a fierce 51.7/50/95 in the fourth quarter.

Since becoming one of the best three shooters in the league, his confidence with the basketball is continuously growing. And on top of his offensive progression, Williams has continued to play great defense on the other end.

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