Because the Olympics unfold, many across the basketball world are realizing what those that watch the Celtics religiously have recognized for fairly a while: Derrick White can flat out hoop.
Whether or not it’s a sneaky defensive play, a well timed 3 or a delicate, clever adjustment, White persistently offers precisely what his workforce wants. His versatility was on show Wednesday, as he contributed 10 factors (3-of-3 capturing), 3 steals, 1 rebound, 1 help and 1 block to complete plus-18 in 17 minutes in a 103-86 win over South Sudan.
Group USA (2-0) cemented its spot within the quarterfinals, with a conflict in opposition to Puerto Rico on Saturday at 11:15 a.m. EST on the horizon to shut out pool play. South Sudan (1-1) will face Serbia on Saturday as nicely after one other strong effort in opposition to the U.S.
Sure, Jayson Tatum performed, and sure, Jrue Vacation continued to showcase his versatility, however White was by far the most important Celtics contributor on this one.
This admittedly hasn’t been a powerful few weeks for Tatum…. however no less than the defending champion Celtics have Group USA MVP Derrick White!
— Invoice Simmons (@BillSimmons) July 31, 2024
Vacation chipped in 5 factors and a pair of rebounds in quarter-hour. Tatum, who turned the discuss of the basketball world after not seeing any time in opposition to Serbia, contributed 4 factors, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block in 17-plus minutes.
Whereas Tatum by no means discovered a rhythm as a scorer, he did contribute in a wide range of methods (sound acquainted?). He drove to the rim and unselfishly discovered Anthony Davis for a bucket inside. It took him a little bit of time to shake off the rust, as he bricked a nook 3 and missed a layup within the opening quarter.
HIs teammates continued to have his again. Vacation caught a jumper to offer the US the lead for good, 12-10, late within the nook. White then swatted a Carlik Jones layup try, picked a pocket and tipped it to Vacation and swished a 3 to assist the U.S. declare a 26-14 edge via 1.
Announcer Noah Eagle likened White to Forrest Gump, in that he by no means stops working.
Tatum discovered Tyrese Haliburton for 3 to make it 43-23, then rejected a Nuni Omot (24 factors) shot as the uspushed the margin to 55-36 at halftime.
Group USA repeatedly made the additional move, aiding on 17 of its 19 buckets and capturing 54 p.c within the half. Bam Adebayo (team-high 18 factors whole) paced the U.S. with 14 factors on 6-of-6 capturing earlier than the break. On the opposite finish, South Sudan shot simply 37 p.c from the ground and turned it over 9 instances. Group USA tried 13 free throws, in comparison with one for South Sudan.
Tatum scored his first hoop of the Olympics early within the third quarter on an alley-oop from Steph Curry. Each White (again) and Vacation (ankle) suffered minor accidents within the quarter however stayed within the recreation.
South Sudan chipped away, however White drained a well timed 3 to make it 65-52 halfway via the third. He’s usually environment friendly, however he took it to a brand new degree on this one.
White discovered Adebayo for an alley-oop late within the quarter, because the U.S. constructed a 73-57 cushion via three. America cruised from there, as Vacation blocked a shot as time expired to seal it.
Purple, Derrick White and Blue continues to ring true.
