The Boston Celtics (16-3) edged out the Chicago Bulls (8-13) in a thrilling 138-129 finish on November 29, winning their seventh straight and finishing second in Group C.
The Celtics tied the Hawks for the best record, both finishing 3-1 but Atlanta defeated Boston on November 13, allowing them to advance to the next round. However, the Celtics still have a chance to reach the knockout stage if they finish with a better point differential than the other Eastern Conference teams that placed second in their respective groups.
Jayson Tatum took charge, racking up 35 points on a very efficient 12-of-18 shooting from the field, along with 14 rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis had 21 points and 8 rebounds. Derrick White added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists while Jaylen Brown scored 21. But Payton Pritchard was the game-changer, dropping 29 points, including a 19-point eruption in the fourth. He was unstoppable from three-point territory, hitting 7-of-11.
Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 32 points and 11 rebounds. Zach LaVine scored 29 while Talen Horton-Tucker added 16 off the bench.
Tatum and Pritchard Fueled the Celtics’ Superb Offense
The Celtics brought intense firepower right out of the gate, shooting 9-for-16 from beyond the arc on their way to 39 points. Tatum poured in 12 points to put his team up by as much as 13. But Chicago showed fight and trimmed it to 9. The Bulls started strong in the second with a 12-3 blast to level the game at 42. Horton-Tucker kept their momentum going, helping the Bulls establish a 9-point lead. The Celtics unleashed a run of their own, surging in front (60-55). But Nikola Vucevic caught fire, hitting four straight triples and tying the game again at 67. Meanwhile, Boston went ice cold, going 1-for-12 from three.
Chicago maintained control in the third, building an (80-72) lead behind Vucevic’s dominant play. But Tatum led a furious fightback, eventually pulling Boston even. Pritchard stole the show in the fourth, drilling five three-pointers to put the Celtics up by 10. The Bulls made one last charge, cutting the deficit to 3 but Boston stood firm and secured the win.
The Celtics challenge the Cavaliers on Monday while the Bulls host the Nets on Wednesday.
