Undefeated and convincing in their first three games, the Celtics got off to a flying start in Chicago. An initial 12-0 that turned into 35-16 thanks to 25 points from the duo Jayson Tatum – Jaylen Brown. In front of their public, DeMar DeRozan and Ayo Dosunmu however sound the revolt of the Bulls. Boosted, and in the wake of LaVine and Vucevic, Chicago passes a 49-14 to its opponents straddling the first and second quarters to turn in the lead at the break (65-54).
Back from the locker room, the Celtics seem to have regained their intensity. A winning shot from Marcus Smart punctuates a 17-4 that throws a chill in the United Center (69-66). The Bulls respond, however, with a 15-2 to take off while Joe Mazzulla receives two technical fouls synonymous with expulsion (84-68). Frustrated, Grant Williams is also sent off as the Bulls end up coasting to validate a good victory.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– A crazy first half. On a cloud in the first quarter, like their 8 of 11 from 3-pointers, the Celtics rose very high before hitting bottom. The Bulls had started to turn the tide in the first quarter before dominating the second period. They limited Boston to 6 of 25 on shots, while dominating the rebound, and causing 4 stray bullets. If Billy Donovan’s men have been blowing hot and cold since the start of the season, the last 17 minutes of the first half showed the full potential of this team.
– Celtics on edge. Frustrated by their match in roller coaster mode, the Celtics ended up cracking. It was Joe Mazzulla who got his nerves on the referees, picking up his first technical foul followed by a second as he continued to complain to the refereeing corps. This is obviously his first expulsion of his career. In the final quarter, with the game already out of reach, Grant Williams pounced on referee Cheryl Flores to challenge a foul. Since he touched her, it’s automatic expulsion.
– Ayo Dosunmu marks his territory. With Lonzo Ball on the flank, the Bulls handed the playmaker job to Ayo Dosunmu, a gamble that worked wonders tonight. Dosunmu seems more and more comfortable. Tonight he was decisive on both ends of the court against the best team in the Eastern Conference and the best defenseman of last season, Marcus Smart.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ DeMar DeRozan. Leader of the Bulls, DeRozan was omnipresent, finishing with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
✅ Nikola Vucecic – Ayo Dosunmu. The Chicago pivot dominated the racket the entire game. He grabbed 23 rebounds, including 10 offensively, while adding 18 points. Dosunmu was also near perfect, scoring 22 points on 9 of 10 on shots.
✅ ⛔Jayson Tatum – Jaylen Brown. Unstoppable in the first minutes of the game, the Celtics star duo finished 7 of 27 on shots in the last three quarters.
⛔ Al Horford – Derrick White. Horford and White were transparent tonight, copiously dominated by their direct opponents throughout the game.
THE FOLLOWING
Chicago : The Bulls receive Indiana on the night of Wednesday to Thursday.
Boston: The Celtics have three days of rest before finding the Cavs at home on the night of Friday to Saturday.
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