Chicago Bulls Dominated by Boston Celtics 100-80: Recap, Highlights, and More

The Chicago Bulls were unable to recover from a putrid first quarter and fall to the Boston Celtics.

The first quarter was rough for the Chicago Bulls. They were held scoreless for the first six minutes of the game while the Boston Celtics went on a 13-0 run. The Bulls missed their first 12 shots before Dwyane Wade made a mid-range jump shot to open the scoring.

Boston’s defense suffocated anything the Bulls tried on offense, but the Bulls did not do themselves any favors by turning the ball over four times. The Bulls shot 14.3% (3-21) in the first quarter while the Celtics shot 45% from the field.

The Boston Celtics finished the first quarter with a 22-9 lead over the lethargic Chicago Bulls.

The second quarter was not much kinder to the Bulls. The Celtics went into halftime with a 46-26 lead.

The Bulls two leading scorers, Dwayne Wade and Jimmy Butler, were a combined 3-12 from the field with six points from the field in the first half.

More from Chicago Bulls

• Chicago Bulls’ winning ways proves Billy Donovan’s system works
• Chicago Bulls News: Coby White is that dude
• Chicago Bulls’ recent success means big trades make sense
• The Chicago Bulls seem to have a major Zach LaVine problem.
• No Zach, no DeMar, no problem? Chicago Bulls stun the Bucks in OT

Boston’s backcourt, Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley, finished the first half with a combined 8-15 from the field and 20 points.

The Bulls decreased their deficit to 19 points behind Denzel Valentine‘s 10 points in the third quarter. The line up of Rajon Rondo, Jimmy Butler, Denzel Valentine, Jeffery Lauvergne, and Robin Lopez showed a renewed energy. Coach Fred Hoiberg might need to play that lineup together more often. 

The Bulls’ had a decent fourth quarter scoring 23 points but did not get enough defensive stops to get back in the game. The Celtics rolled to a victory while giving the Bulls their fifth straight loss.

Nikola Mirotic has gone from a possible starter in training camp to a healthy inactive.

Highlights

Three Stars

1. Isaiah Thomas:  Thomas got any shot he wanted in this game. He finished with 22 points, three assists and two steals.

2. Al Horford: Horford is as consistent as they come and he showed why today. He ended the game with 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

3. Denzel Valentine:  The rookie was the lone bright spot for the Bulls today. Valentine had a nice game to the tune of 13 points, three assists and 3-6 shooting from three.

Next: Bobby Portis' Future With Bulls

Next Game

The Chicago Bulls travel to Charlotte to take on the Hornets on Monday, while the Boston Celtics welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves to Boston on Wednesday.