Celtics Dominate Bulls, 100-80

The Boston Celtics defeated the Chicago Bulls, 100-80, at TD Center on Sunday
evening. The Celtics (42-25) had hit a few bumps on their Western Conference
swing, losing three of the last four contests of the road trip. A return home
turned out to be just what the doctor ordered, as Boston dominated the Bulls
(31-35) on both ends of the floor. Their defensive effort was particularly
inspired, as they limited Chicago to a 37.9 percent success rate from the floor
and 28 percent from three-point range. They also forced 17 turnovers, won the
rebounding battle by a 51-40 margin, saw their bench combine for 42 points, and
jumped out to a 46-26 lead halftime lead, giving them a definitive advantage
they wouldn’t relinquish. Robin Lopez paced Chicago with 13 points, three
rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Denzel Valentine matched
Lopez’ point total while leading the bench and added three boards. Bobby Portis
turned in 12 points and eight rebounds. Dwyane Wade struggled through an
uncharacteristically poor game, supplying just eight points, three rebounds and
two steals. Jimmy Butler was even worse, posting five points (on 2-for-11
shooting), seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Cristiano Felicio was
solid off the bench as usual with 10 points, four rebounds and one steal. Isaiah
Thomas led the way for Boston with 22 points, two assists, one rebound and three
steals. Avery Bradley provided 17 points, six rebounds, one assist, three steals
and one block. Al Horford registered 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two
blocks and one steal. Jae Crowder tallied a modest five points but hauled in 10
rebounds. Marcus Smart led a productive second unit with 12 points, six
rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jaylen Brown and Kelly Olynyk pitched in
with matching 11-point efforts, with the former adding three rebounds, one
assist and one steal, and the latter generating nine boards, three assists and
one steal. The Bulls next head to Charlotte to tangle with the Hornets on Monday
evening, while the Celtics remain home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on
Wednesday night.