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Derrick White Wins 2025-26 NBA Sportsmanship Award

4/24/2026

Summary

White Wins Award

Derrick White of the Boston Celtics won the 2025-26 NBA Sportsmanship Award, the Joe Dumars Trophy.
He follows teammate Jrue Holiday, now with the Portland Trail Blazers, as a consecutive Celtic winner.
The Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are tied 1-1 after the 76ers upset Boston at TD Garden.
White scored eight points on 3-of-12 shooting while Jaylen Brown had 36.
Game 3 begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday.

Summary

White Struggles

Derrick White shot a career-worst 39.4 % this season while attempting a career-high 14.4 shots per game.
In the first two playoff games against Philadelphia, he was 7-for-22 (31.8 %) overall and 4-for-17 (23.5 %) from three-point range.
Celtics fans and reporter Bobby Manning criticized his offense, tweeting that “the [Derrick] White thing speaks for itself.”
Analysts warned that without improved scoring efficiency, the Celtics’ prospects for another deep postseason are doubtful.

Summary

Edgecombe Leads

Joel Embiid is sidelined with an appendectomy, leaving the Sixers without their former MVP center for the series.
Rookie VJ Edgecombe posted 30 points and 10 rebounds, becoming Philadelphia’s primary scorer in Embiid’s absence.
Jaylen Brown’s dunk over Adem Bona triggered a technical foul that drew loud jeers from the Boston crowd.
After the Sixers erased a 32-point loss, the series is tied 1-1 with Game 3 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

History

Historical Context

The NBA established the Sportsmanship Award in 2006 to recognize players who exemplify ethical behavior and fair play. Joe Dumars, the inaugural recipient from the Detroit Pistons, set a standard for sportsmanship in the league. Derrick White's recent win continues this tradition, highlighting the importance of character in shaping team dynamics and fan perceptions during the playoffs.

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White Wins Award

Derrick White of the Boston Celtics won the 2025-26 NBA Sportsmanship Award, the Joe Dumars Trophy.
He follows teammate Jrue Holiday, now with the Portland Trail Blazers, as a consecutive Celtic winner.
The Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are tied 1-1 after the 76ers upset Boston at TD Garden.
White scored eight points on 3-of-12 shooting while Jaylen Brown had 36.
Game 3 begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday.

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