Celtics' Derrick White completes rare defensive feat last done by Kevin Garnett

The Celtics guard's two-way excellence has reached new heights this season.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:06am

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Boston Celtics guard Derrick White has become the first player in franchise history since Kevin Garnett in 2007-08 to record at least 75 steals and 93 blocks in a single season. White's defensive impact was on full display in the Celtics' recent win over the Phoenix Suns, as he helped slow down Jalen Green while also filling up the stat sheet.

Why it matters

White's ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor makes him a valuable asset for the Celtics, who have relied on his two-way play to remain competitive even with Jayson Tatum sidelined. His rare defensive feat puts him in elite company, as he joins Garnett as the only Celtics players to achieve this statistical accomplishment.

The details

In the Celtics' 120-112 win over the Suns, White recorded one steal and one block, bringing his season totals to 75 steals and 93 blocks. This makes him the first Celtics player since Garnett in 2007-08 to reach those defensive benchmarks in a single campaign.

  • The Celtics defeated the Suns on Monday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Derrick White

A guard for the Boston Celtics who is known for his two-way excellence and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

Jaylen Brown

A star forward for the Boston Celtics who scored 41 points in the team's win over the Suns.

Jalen Green

A guard for the Phoenix Suns who was held to 21 points on 8-20 shooting by Derrick White's defense.

Kevin Garnett

A former Celtics player who was the last to achieve the defensive feat of recording at least 75 steals and 93 blocks in a single season, which Derrick White has now matched.

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What they’re saying

“Derrick White is a coach's dream”

— Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland Cavaliers head coach (Instagram)

What’s next

The Celtics will look to continue their strong play as they push for a high seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The takeaway

Derrick White's two-way excellence has made him an invaluable part of the Celtics' success this season, as he has joined an elite club of Celtics players to record at least 75 steals and 93 blocks in a single campaign. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor makes him a coach's dream and a key reason why the Celtics remain competitive even with Jayson Tatum sidelined.