With only playing 8 players including the new edition from San Antonio Derrick White—the Celtics were able to defeat the Denver Nuggets 108-102 in a close fight last night. 

The C’s putting together a nice 7 game winning streak as they pass Brooklyn in the eastern standings. Jayson Tatum was the leading scorer with 24 points, coming behind is Marcus Smart with 22 points to go along with 7 assists and 5 rebounds. 

Jaylen Brown had a quiet night with 12 points. Robert Williams put up a double-double as he continues to make a huge impact on defense with 10 defensive rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals. 

As coach Udoka spoke on before, it’s the defense that’s been causing the winning for Boston. The C’s were trailing at halftime 60-51. And although both teams had a poor shooting night—it was Denver that turned the ball over 21 times. The Celtics pulled in 13 steals and 8 blocks as a unit. 

The real story is Derrick White coming in and making a impact out the gate. Off the bench—he still played big minutes (28) and put in 9 points behind the arc. He got a important And-1 play in the fourth quarter that put the C’s up late. 

Coach Udoka told the press, “He did what he’s done and what I’ve seen in the past. You don’t miss a beat with him out there,” when speaking on White’s performance. 

The Joker still put up a triple double with 23 points, 11 assists and 16 rebounds. But with Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr’s return from injury up in the air this season—the Nuggets had a tough matchup against the blazing Celtics. 

Boston will look to continue this streak against the Atlanta Hawks at home tomorrow. The team that defeated them right before they went on this 7 game winning streak.