Celtics’ Derrick White praises Jaylen Brown’s ‘unbelievable’ play to start season
Derrick White had high praises to share about Jaylen Brown's start to the 2025-26 season following the Boston Celtics' win against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night.
Going into the game, Brown has channeled his top traits as the team's first option with Jayson Tatum out. Five games in, he was averaging 26.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. He was shooting 52.2% from the field, including 46.9% from beyond the arc, and 75.8% from the free-throw line.
Brown didn't miss a step in the rivalry matchup during the NBA Cup opener. In 32 minutes of action, he finished with a stat line of 32 points, six assists, three rebounds, a steal, and a block. He shot 13-of-19 overall, including 4-of-7 from downtown, and 2-of-3 from the charity stripe.
White reacted to Brown's performance after the game. He described his co-star as an unbelievable player, understanding Boston needs that from him a game-by-game basis.
“He’s unbelievable, that’s what we need from him. Every night he’s came out and done what we need him to do. Big time player and he makes big time plays,” White said.
How Jaylen Brown, Celtics played against 76ers
Jaylen Brown's efforts helped the Celtics win their third straight game after beating the 76ers 109-108 on the road.
Boston had a lot of the momentum throughout the game, leading by as much as 24 points. Even though Philadelphia fought back to have the game go down to the wire, the visitors made enough defensive plays to give the hosts their first loss of the season.
Rebounding and turnovers made the difference in this matchup. The Celtics prevailed in both categories with 45 rebounds while limiting their turnovers to 10. It wasn't the case for the 76ers, grabbing 40 rebounds but gave the ball away 18 times.
Four players scored in double-digits for Boston, including Brown. Anfernee Simons delivered a solid performance off the bench, putting up 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a block. He shot 7-of-21 from the field, including 3-of-9 from deep. Derrick White came next with 15 points and four rebounds, Payton Pritchard had 15 points and five assists, while Luka Garza provided nine points and five rebounds.
The Celtics will look forward to their next matchup, being at home. They host the Houston Rockets on Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. ET.
Lakers Share Massive Injury Update on Luka, Smart
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to regain their two biggest reinforcements as Luka Dončić and Marcus Smart are both listed “probable” for Friday’s road game against the Memphis Grizzlies
Dončić has missed the past three games with a left finger sprain and lower leg contusion, while Smart sat out the last two contests with a right quadriceps injury. Their impending return could not come at a better time for the Lakers, who have managed to stay afloat at 3-2 despite missing their stars.
Dončić’s Dominant Start Draws MVP Buzz
Before his brief absence, Dončić was off to one of the most explosive starts in franchise history. The Slovenian superstar opened his first full season in Los Angeles by averaging 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists through two games — the most points ever by a Laker across the first two games of a season.
He poured in 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in a narrow 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors before erupting for 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in a 128-110 win over the
The Lakers’ offense has sputtered without Dončić’s all-world shot creation, though Austin Reaves’ recent heroics have softened the blow.
Reaves’ Star Turn Keeps Lakers Afloat
In Dončić’s absence, Reaves delivered one of the most remarkable three-game stretches in recent Lakers memory. The undrafted guard from Arkansas averaged 40.0 points and 10.0 assists over that span — capped by a buzzer-beating floater to lift Los Angeles past Minnesota, 116-115, on Wednesday night.
With both Dončić and LeBron James sidelined, Reaves assumed full control of the offense and delivered performances for the ages: 28 points and a career-high-tying 16 assists, a 41-point and career-best 51-point game.
Now, as Dončić returns, Reaves is expected to slide back to his secondary-creator role — one that allows him to thrive as a shooter and playmaker off the ball.
Smart’s Defense and Leadership Return
Smart’s comeback also gives the Lakers a defensive and vocal boost. The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year has averaged 7.7 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 43.8% from the field.
Despite modest counting stats, Smart leads the Lakers in plus-minus at +33, per Statmuse, underscoring his impact on both ends of the court.
Before his injury, Smart tallied 11 points and five assists in the team’s 127-120 win over the
LaRavia’s Breakout Adds Depth
Lakers coach JJ Redick may face difficult rotation choices as Smart returns, particularly after Jake LaRavia
“Very early in his Laker career, but clearly his best game,”
While Smart’s 14.3% shooting from deep remains a weakness, LaRavia’s hot 50% clip from three provides Redick with valuable spacing options alongside Dončić and Reaves.
Lakers Eye to Keep Momentum Going
With Dončić and Smart back in action, the Lakers will look to maintain their early-season rhythm and continue climbing the Western Conference standings.
The matchup in Memphis marks a critical opportunity to solidify chemistry before James — still nursing sciatica — makes his own anticipated return later this month.
