Boston Celtics Extend Winning Streak to Seven with Convincing Victory over Chicago Bulls

Boston Celtics' Derrick White, right, blocks the shot of Chicago Bulls' Julian Phillips, second from right, as Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis, second from left, also defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

In a commanding performance on Thursday night, the NBA-leading Boston Celtics secured their season-high seventh consecutive win with a dominant 129-112 triumph over the Chicago Bulls.

Derrick White showcased his scoring prowess, leading the charge for Boston with 28 points, while Jayson Tatum contributed 25 points, with each player sinking five of the Celtics’ impressive total of 23 three-pointers. Jaylen Brown also made a significant impact, chipping in 21 points as Boston cruised to victory, building on their resounding 50-point victory over Brooklyn prior to the All-Star break.

Celtics defeat Bulls 129-112, improve to league-best 44-12 - CelticsBlog

Despite a brief setback in the first half, during which Boston relinquished a 16-point lead to trail by three at halftime, the Celtics quickly regained control in the third quarter. Displaying their offensive firepower, Boston outscored the Bulls 37-21 in the quarter, effectively seizing command of the game.

Chicago, led by Nikola Vucevic’s 22 points and 14 rebounds, struggled to contain Boston’s relentless attack. Despite contributions from Coby White (20 points) and DeMar DeRozan (19 points), the Bulls faltered against the Celtics once again, adding to their woes in matchups against the Eastern Conference powerhouse.

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The victory marks a significant turnaround for Boston, who dealt Chicago a decisive blow with a blowout win in late November, leaving the Bulls reeling with a 5-14 record at the time. Despite facing adversity, Chicago showed resilience, winning 21 of their next 36 games, albeit without key player Zach LaVine, who remains sidelined with a foot injury for the remainder of the season.

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Boston wasted no time asserting their dominance in the second half, embarking on a 10-0 run to start the third quarter, propelled by timely three-pointers from Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, as well as a clutch jumper from Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics’ relentless offensive onslaught continued, with Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser extending the lead with back-to-back threes to put the game out of reach for the Bulls.

Despite a spirited effort from Chicago in the second quarter, highlighted by a 39-point outburst and a brief lead heading into halftime, Boston’s superior firepower and resilience ultimately proved too much for the Bulls to handle. With another convincing win under their belt, the Celtics continue to assert their dominance atop the NBA standings.