In a jaw-dropping revelation, Boston Celtics star Derrick White disclosed that he glued his knocked-out tooth back into his mouth during Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals, played through the pain, and ultimately clinched the championship—a story of grit that perfectly encapsulates Boston’s title run.
When Boston Celtics guard Derrick White took the court for Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals, he wasn’t just battling the Dallas Mavericks—he was battling a dental disaster that would test his toughness in the most unexpected way.
The Finals Dental Incident
In a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, White, 31, recounted the shocking moment a collision knocked out his dental bridge during the pivotal game. “I go to the game, I get hit in the mouth. I had a bridge on at the time and it came out, so I just picked it up and went straight to the back,” he told Fallon. “I’m not a hockey player, so I had to figure out a way to glue it back together.” White’s quick-thinking solution involved using dental adhesive to reattach the bridge, securing it with his mouthguard, and returning to play the remainder of the game—a decision that speaks volumes about his fortitude, a detail confirmed by People.
“So they just kind of glued it and then I put a mouthpiece on it, played the rest of the game and eventually went to the dentist the next day,” White remembered. Fallon then asked how his dentist reacted when the NBA star finally paid him a visit. “He said, ‘I told you to come a week ago,'” he recalled with a laugh.
The moment of impact was captured by photographers, showing White after his tooth was chipped during the physical matchup.
Credit: Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty
Despite the discomfort, White finished the game, and the Celtics went on to win 106-88, securing a 3-2 series lead.
Championship Glory and Team Triumph
Two nights later, Boston closed out the series in Game 6, defeating the Dallas Mavericks four games to one to capture the 2024 NBA Championship. This victory marked the Celtics’ first title since 2008 and their 18th overall, reclaiming the record for most championships in NBA franchise history People. Boston’s dominance was evident throughout the season, with a league-best 64–18 regular-season record and a nearly untouchable 16–3 playoff run People.
A Viral Moment of Father-Son Joy
The emotional pinnacle of the championship came after the final buzzer in Boston, when teammate Jayson Tatum shared a heartwarming celebration with his young son, Jayson “Deuce” Christopher Tatum Jr. The toddler, wearing a mini-championship hat, ran onto the court and embraced his father, shouting “Daddy!” as confetti rained down—a scene that quickly went viral AOL. The father-son duo’s joyous hug, captured in images, became an iconic symbol of the Celtics’ triumph.
Credit: Todd Owyoung/NBC
Looking Ahead to 2026
As of March 18, 2026, the Boston Celtics continue to excel, holding a 45–23 record and sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference behind the Detroit Pistons in the 2025–26 NBA season People. White’s dental adventure remains a legendary anecdote from a championship run defined by resilience and team spirit, a perfect encapsulation of the Celtics’ never-say-die attitude.
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