Derrick White is no stranger to injuries in his pursuit of the Celtics’ NBA championship, with his most recent mishap reminding everyone of his commitment to the team. During a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, White sustained a facial injury after an inadvertent elbow from Kelly Oubre Jr.
While challenging Oubre’s layup, White was struck in the face, causing him to immediately grab his mouth. Replays showed that he picked up a small white object from the floor, which he later revealed to be a temporary four-tooth bridge he had been wearing.
White Regrets Postponing Dental Work, Returns Quickly to Play Despite Injury Discomfort
White’s injury was particularly significant because the four-tooth bridge he was wearing was supposed to be replaced by permanent dental work. White had scheduled his dental procedure weeks ago but kept postponing it, a decision he now regrets.
After the game, he expressed that his failure to attend the appointment led to the injury. He described the sight of his injury as unpleasant, but thankfully, he was able to cover it quickly and prevent further embarrassment.
Derrick White (NBA)Despite the initial shock, White wasted no time getting back into the game. He was escorted to the locker room with a towel over his face, and the team later announced he was probable to return after halftime. True to form, White started the second half and finished the game with 12 points and six assists. His quick recovery highlighted his determination to stay on the court and contribute to the team’s success, even in the face of discomfort.
Derrick White’s Toughness Shines Through Despite Facial Injuries and Refusal to Wear Mouthguard
This latest injury serves as another chapter in White’s reputation for toughness. Just months earlier, during Game 5 of the NBA Finals, White chipped one of his front teeth after a collision with another player.
His resilience was again on display Thursday, as he had just come off a career-high performance the night before, scoring 41 points and hitting nine 3-pointers in a win over Portland. His teammate, Jayson Tatum, acknowledged White’s toughness, expressing surprise at his ability to return to play despite the repeated injuries.
Despite the string of facial injuries, White remains adamant about not wearing a mouthguard in future games. He called the most recent injury a “weird play” and noted that the first incident was much more severe.
White maintains that he has no intention of changing his approach to protecting his teeth, as he feels that the injuries were not a result of neglect but rather unusual, unforeseen circumstances. His determination to avoid a mouthguard speaks to his overall toughness and readiness to compete despite the risks.
