Celtics Beat Bulls, 108-97, in Game 5

The host Boston Celtics defeated the Chicago Bulls, 108-97, in Game 5 of the
Eastern Conference first-round playoffs at TD Bank Garden on Wednesday. Boston
(3-2) won its third straight game to take its first lead of the series. On
Wednesday, shooting guard Avery Bradley had arguably his best outing of the
playoffs thus far, shooting 11-of-19 for 24 points to go along with stellar
defense. Superstar point guard Isaiah Thomas matched Bradley with 24 points, but
shot just 6-of-17 from the field. Still, the game featured the elite play Thomas
has become known for, as he scored 11 points to help the Celtics establish the
lead in the fourth quarter. All-Star center Al Horford was the final key to the
win for Boston, as he delivered 21 points to go along with a team-high nine
assists and seven rebounds. Chicago (2-3) remains without starting point guard
Rajon Rondo (thumb) despite Rondo’s reported efforts to make it back on the
court. In his absence, Isaiah Canaan filled in at the starting spot, scoring 13
points but not dishing out a single assists. Assists have been lacking for the
Bulls since Rondo fractured his thumb in Game 2, as the team went from 34
assists in the second game to under 25 in every game since. Turnovers also
proved to be a struggle for Chicago, as the team coughed the ball up 16 times on
the night. Veteran shooting guard and former NBA champion Dwyane Wade helped
Chicago keep the game close, as he delivered 26 points, 11 rebounds, and eight
assists. Game 6 will be in Chicago on Friday.