The Boston Celtics moved one game away from winning the 2024 NBA Finals with a 106-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 on Wednesday night, and while things got a bit hectic in the fourth quarter, a win in the Finals is a win in the Finals. The C's did what they had to do to come out on top, but one player in particular received some high praise from Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson.

Boston was led by big outings from Jayson Tatum (31 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 11/26 FGM) and Jaylen Brown (30 PTS, 8 REB, 8 AST, 12/22 FGM), but there was one unsung hero according to Johnson who helped this team pull out the victory. And in Magic's eyes, that guy was Derrick White, who continued to play his strong brand of defense, while also hitting some timely shots down the stretch as well.

Via Earvin Magic Johnson:

“Jaylen Brown took over in the second half tonight, scoring 24 of his 30 points to lead the Celtics to victory! Jayson Tatum finally played his game with a 31 point performance, but the unsung hero of the Celtics was Derrick White!”

Derrick White continues to deliver in the biggest moments for Celtics

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) reacts after making a three point basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter during game three of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center.
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

White had a bit of a slow start to this game, hitting just one shot in the first half, but he found his shot in the second half, and eventually finished with a solid statline (16 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 4/10 FGM). There may not have been a bigger shot on the night then the three White hit with just under three minutes left in the game to push Boston's lead back up to six.

This is pretty much what White has done all throughout the playoffs, and he certainly wasn't the only guy to step up and help the C's win this game. In a separate tweet, Johnson also shouted out big man Xavier Tillman Sr., who chipped in three points and four rebounds off the bench while filling in for the injured Kristaps Porzingis.

Via Earvin Magic Johnson:

“It was a total team effort by the Celtics, with strong ball movement and execution from all their role players. Even my fellow Spartan Xavier Tillman Sr. made a 3!”

Everyone was curious to see whether the Celtics could survive without Porzingis on the floor in this one, and Tillman quickly proved that they would be just fine. He played strong defense throughout the game, and knocked down a wide-open corner three as part of Boston's third quarter outburst that seemingly put the game out of reach.

Of course, the Mavericks would cut a 21-point lead down to one in the fourth quarter, but the Celtics responded once again to hold onto their lead and close out the game. Now, they are just one win away from hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy, and if their supporting cast steps up again in Game 4, they could end up pulling off a sweep of the Mavericks in Game 4 on Friday night.