The Boston Celtics is a win away from advancing to the second round of the Playoffs after another convincing win in Game 4 against the Miami Heat, 102-88, at the Kaseya Center on Tuesday (PHL time).
While the Celtics got their usual production from stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, it was Derrick White who stepped up big time as he finished with a playoff career-high 38 points alongside four rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
White took the offensive reins after big man Kristaps Porzingis was dealt with a non-contact calf injury in the second quarter after limping to the locker room.
The incident occurred towards the end of the second quarter, with Boston in the lead at 47-31. Porzingis received a pass from Jaylen Brown during a halfcourt play but seemed to lose control of the ball while attempting to shoot, displaying signs of discomfort.
The 7-foot-2 Latvian promptly signaled to be substituted and began limping.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Porzingis is set to undergo imaging, but initial assessments suggest that he did not sustain an Achilles tendon injury.
Kristaps Porzingis heads to the locker room after suffering a non-contact injury pic.twitter.com/3n3UNJr8q7
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) April 30, 2024
With Porzingis out, White came in and powered Boston to a strong start in the first quarter for a 34-24 lead.
The 29-year-old guard continued his barrage against in the Heat in the second quarter with back-to-back 3-pointers to extend the Celtics’ lead to 47-31.
WHY NOT LET IT FLY 🤯 pic.twitter.com/qrcheyC9Ec
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 30, 2024
Boston would continue to hold on to the lead to grab the commanding 3-1 series lead over their rivals.
As White finished with 38 points, Tatum contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown added 17 points, and Jrue Holiday chipped in with 11 for the Celtics.
This win marked Boston's sixth consecutive victory at Miami's home court and improved their record to 14-3 in their last 17 games at the venue.
Miami, despite a sellout crowd that included Lionel Messi, faced challenges as they played once again without key starters Jimmy Butler (knee) and Terry Rozier (neck).
Bam Adebayo put up an impressive performance with 25 points, 17 rebounds, and five assists, while Tyler Herro and Caleb Martin contributed 19 and 18 points respectively for the Heat.
With Game 5 set to be hosted by the Celtics on Thursday (PHL time), Boston has the opportunity to advance to the second round.
The winner of the Boston-Miami series will face the victor of the Cleveland-Orlando matchup in the East semifinals.
