Celtics’ Derrick White Returns After Dental Emergency to Win Over 76ers

BOSTON, MA — Derrick White returned to the court after suffering a dental injury to guide the Boston Celtics to a 123-105 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 6, 2025. White lost a temporary tooth during a collision with Kelly Oubre Jr. but was able to continue playing after a quick repair.

The incident occurred midway through the second quarter, sending White to the locker room with a towel pressed against his face. “I was supposed to go in probably two weeks ago, but I kept pushing it off,” White said. Fortunately for the Celtics, his lost tooth was temporary, and staff quickly reattached it, allowing him to return to action in the second half.

White’s resilience was crucial for the Celtics, who played without several key players, including Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis. Jayson Tatum led Boston with 35 points, while rookie Baylor Scheierman scored 15 in his most significant outing to date. Tatum described White’s return mid-game as a testament to his competitive spirit, saying, “I was surprised he came back… But he’s a competitor.”

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Scheierman’s performance, noting, “He was great on both ends of the floor,” which included strong defensive plays that energized the team. The Celtics entered halftime with a commanding 64-46 lead, showcasing their depth even when shorthanded.

The game marked a significant opportunity for bench players to shine, as the absence of core starters enabled deeper reserves to receive increased playing time. Payton Pritchard added 19 points off the bench, while newcomer Torrey Craig displayed a strong physical presence with four offensive rebounds.

Despite the injury struggles on both sides, the Celtics capitalized on their talent advantage. This was especially visible as they built a 20-point lead during the first half. Mazzulla acknowledged that his team needed to generate momentum and extra possessions, which Craig contributed to effectively during the game.

The 76ers, missing their key players Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey due to injuries, struggled to keep pace with Boston. Throughout the match, the Celtics’ second unit made pivotal contributions that enforced their control over a never-contested second half.

Looking ahead, the Celtics prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers in a highly anticipated matchup on March 8, 2025. White remains optimistic about being ready to contribute after his dental ordeal. He said, “Shoutout Boston Dental, I’ll see y’all tomorrow,” indicating his quick turnaround in recovery.