Celtics Hold off Bucks Rally for 109-102 Win

Derrick White Seals the Deal as Celtics Hold Off Bucks Rally

The Boston Celtics survived a furious Milwaukee comeback on Wednesday night, securing a 109-102 victory without their superstar. The deciding factor was Derrick White, who poured in seven of the team’s final 10 points to secure the win, as NBA.com reported.

What began as a rout for Boston, who led by as many as 22 points, turned into a nail-biter as Milwaukee chipped away. The Bucks tied the game at 97-97, setting the stage for a dramatic final few minutes.

Derrick White & Paul George propel Celtics to 109-102 win over Milwaukee Bucks | Extended Highlights

The Hero Down the Stretch

With Jayson Tatum taking a rare night off, the Celtics needed someone to step up. That someone was White. After Neemias Queta gave Boston the lead for good with a layup, White ignited the play that put the game away.

He wasn’t done. Less than a minute later, White added a driving floater, and Paul George followed with a step-back 3-pointer. White then sealed the victory by knocking down a pair of free throws, capping off a 6-for-6 night from the charity stripe. That performance included a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter alone, tying his career-high for makes in a single quarter.

Paul George, Derrick White Lead Celtics to Win Over Bucks | You Got Boston

We need the best version of him for us to be a great team, and I think you were able to see that tonight.

White’s impact was felt beyond his scoring. He finished with 24 points, one shy of the game-high, to go along with a game-leading seven assists. His defensive presence was just as crucial, as he added four rebounds and two blocks, tying for the game-high in the latter category.

A Team Effort in Victory

While White closed the show, Paul George carried the offense for most of the night, scoring a game-high 25 points, which he tied with Milwaukee’s Tyler Herro. George also led all players with four steals, providing a constant defensive threat. The Celtics’ depth was on full display, with three players recording double-digit rebounds: Neemias Queta (12), Baylor Scheierman (11), and Mitchell Robinson (10).

Statistically, the Celtics dominated the glass, holding a 54-45 rebounding advantage, including a significant 19-11 edge on the offensive boards. This relentless effort on the boards limited Milwaukee’s second-chance opportunities and helped maintain control throughout the game. Boston’s defense was also stifling, holding Milwaukee to just 14 points in the first quarter—their best defensive quarter of the season—and a season-low 41 points in the second half.

What It Means for the Season

This win is significant for Boston, marking their sixth victory in their last eight games to start the season.

Derrick White REACTS to His Best Game of the Season So Far | Celtics vs Bucks Postgame

The team’s ability to generate offense from different sources—George on the wing, White in the clutch, and a strong interior presence from Queta and Robinson—makes them a more formidable opponent for the rest of the league.

On a night when the Celtics were forced to look beyond their superstar, they found an unexpected hero in Derrick White.