Payton Pritchard's Celtics start the game off to a flying start. The 7/9 3-point trio of Jaylen Brown (21 points) – Jayson Tatum – Derrick White (16 points) gives them a 13-point lead (39-26). The Bulls, however, managed to limit the damage, before returning to equality thanks to a 16-3, led by Torrey Craig, straddling the first and second quarters (42-42).
The Bulls then continue their momentum. Seven points in a row from Talen Horton-Tucker (16 points) launches an 11-0 for Chicago (55-46)! In the wake of Tatum, however, the Celtics recovered quickly. Three minutes and a 14-0 later, Boston is again five points ahead (60-55). Nikola Vucevic (32 points, 11 rebounds) then made four 3-pointers in a row to end a high-flying half (67-67).
Well supported by Zach Lavine (29 points), Vucevic continues his work to put Chicago at +8 (80-72). Boston's defense then raised its voice and the duo Jayson Tatum – Payton Pritchard scored Boston's next 16 points to allow them to take the lead before the last quarter (97-96).
This last period turns into a duel between Pritchard and Lavine. In this little game, Celtic wins. Payton Pritchard scores 19 points in the last twelve minutes, including 5/6 three-pointers, to give Boston a ten-point lead (125-115) and allow them to move towards a seventh victory in a row.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Jayson Tatum size boss. As since the start of the season, Jayson Tatum was once again essential in his team's victory. Tatum scored 13 points in the first quarter to put Boston into orbit, and 13 in the third quarter to turn the tide. If Pritchard stole the show at the end of the match, it was his leadership that allowed Boston to emerge with the victory.
– Nikola Vucevic confirms his revival. The Chicago pivot had a difficult last season but is back to his best this year. He scored 29 of his 32 points in the first three quarters to give his team an 8-point lead, in particular thanks to his outside skill. While he was only at 29% from 3-point range last season, he is at 46% this season!
– Boston still in the race for the wild card. After the victory and direct qualification of Atlanta in Group C of the NBA Cup, Boston had to win and hope for the defeat of Detroit and Orlando to qualify for the quarter-finals. Both teams won and Boston will now have to wait until Tuesday to find out if they will advance. To do so, they will need a defeat of the Pistons.
