Derrick White Sends Clear Jalen Brunson Message After Celtics' Loss to Knicks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt John | Last updated May 6, 2025 2:39 PM ET

The Boston Celtics let Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals slip through their fingers against the New York Knicks. After being up by as many as 20 points, the Celtics went on to lose by three in overtime.

Jalen Brunson was among those who contributed to the Knicks' comeback victory. The Knicks star scored 29 points, which didn't come at the best efficiency, as he shot 9-for-23 from the field, but he hit five threes and scored 11 fourth-quarter points.

The Celtics should have their hands full with Brunson for the rest of the series, as he is one of the best point guards in the league. Among those who know how good Brunson is is Celtics guard Derrick White.

While talking with reporters, White talked about the challenge of covering Brunson in this series.

"He's a great player," White told reporters, per Bobby Krivitsky of Forbes. "He's gonna make tough shots. He's gonna do a lot for their team. It's kind of impossible to shut him down. So, just gotta make him make tough shots...Try to make him work."

Derrick White on Jalen Brunson:

"He's a great player. He's gonna make tough shots. He's gonna do a lot for their team. It's kind of impossible to shut him down. So, just gotta make him make tough shots...Try to make him work."
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) May 6, 2025

During the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Brunson has averaged 31.1 points, 7.7 assists, and four rebounds per game, shooting 43% from the field and 37% from three. Beating the Knicks in this series will require limiting what Brunson can do on the court.

The Celtics will enter Game 2 trailing in a playoff series for the first time since the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, which coincidentally was the last time they lost two playoff games in a row.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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