The Boston Celtics left Cleveland with a 109-102 Game 4 victory over the Cavaliers to take a 3-1 lead in the series, as it heads back to Boston for Game 5 and the Cs are only one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the third consecutive year.

For the first time in the playoffs, Derrick White struggled on offense in Game 4. He only scored five points on 1-of-6 shooting overall, grabbed seven rebounds, and made three assists in 30-minutes.

White didn’t allow his struggles to make him less aware of what’s happening around him on the court, including informing the officials that the wrong player was shooting technical free throws; he wouldn’t allow a fast one to slip by his team.

Here’s what happened leading up to this:

Max Strus inadvertently kicked Jaylen Brown in the back of the head when he stepped over him after he fell to the court.

Brown, on the ground, couldn’t see what was happening, but he felt his head get kicked, so he reacted by grabbing Strus’ ankle and kind of pushed him forward.

The officials reviewed the play to see if it was worth upgrading it to a flagrant foul, but they determined Brown’s actions weren’t excessive, therefore calling it a common foul.

#Cavaliers Max Strus steps over #Celtics Jaylen Brown- hitting Brown’s head with his foot- which Brown doesn’t appreciate and lets him know. #NBA league office ruled this a common foul. pic.twitter.com/ZxWA07x15C

— The Celtics Files (@CelticsFiles) May 13, 2024

However, while in the review process, another call was discovered away from the ball on the Celtics, which resulted in one free throw for the Cavaliers.

So the officials allowed Darius Garland to go to the line to take the shot, but since he wasn’t on the court during the previous foul call, he isn’t eligible to shoot the free throw.

It was White who informed the officials about this, which sent the referees back to the table to review the play prior. Sam Merrill ended up taking the free throw.

Derrick White informing the referees who should be taking the free throws. Good for him for being aware of what’s going on in this mess. #Celtics #Cavaliers #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/1HIqe29v2G

— The Celtics Files (@CelticsFiles) May 13, 2024

Although it seems minor, this was great awareness by White not to allow Garland the opportunity to take a free shot and get himself in rhythm after he went 0-for-3 in the first quarter.

It was just a great heads up moment for White.

Game 5 tips off in Boston on Wednesday at 7:00 PM.

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Photo Credit: Brian Babineau, NBAE via Getty Images