Bulls Surge Past Celtics with Fourth-Quarter Onslaught
The Chicago Bulls secured their third consecutive victory, defeating the Boston Celtics 117-108 on Thursday night.Zach LaVine led the charge for Chicago, delivering a season-best 36 points.
This victory marks the Bulls’ most notable stretch of the season, fueled by a dominant fourth quarter performance where they outscored the Celtics 35-22. Chicago’s sharpshooting was on full display, connecting on an impressive 19 three-pointers throughout the game.Ayo Dosunmu provided valuable support with 17 points, while Nikola Vucevic contributed a double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 31 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Bulls’ late surge. Kristaps Porzingis added 20 points and eight rebounds for Boston, who suffered their fourth home loss of the season.
The Celtics’ frustration mounted in the closing minutes, as technical fouls were assessed to coach Joe Mazzulla, Jaylen Brown, and Tatum. This emotional outburst seemed to disrupt Boston’s momentum for the remainder of the game.
Mazzulla’s discontent continued after the final buzzer, requiring intervention from assistant coaches to prevent a confrontation with the referees.
Despite missing Josh Giddey, who sat out his first game of the season due to an ankle sprain, the Bulls showcased their depth and resilience.
The Celtics’ night was marred by visible frustration, with players resorting to contested three-point attempts in a desperate attempt to close the gap.The two teams will face off again in Chicago on Saturday night.
A Night of Frustration in Boston: An Interview with Charles Barkley
Welcome back, sports fans! Tonight, we’re diving into the explosive matchup between the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics, a game that saw the Bulls dominate the fourth quarter to secure their third consecutive win. Joining me tonight is the one and only Charles Barkley, NBA Hall-of-Famer and always insightful commentator. Chuck, welcome to the show.
Charles: Thanks for having me. Always glad to talk basketball.
Moderator: So, Chuck, we saw a fiery finish to this game. clearly, the Celtics weren’t happy with the officiating. As a former player, do you think their frustration was justified?
Charles: Look, losing is frustrating. I get it. But you can’t let your emotions get the best of you like that. These technical fouls, especially from the coach, are momentum killers. It looked like Coach Mazzulla was letting his emotions dictate his actions instead of focusing on getting his team back in the game.
Moderator: Do you think the Celtics were simply outplayed, or did their frustration contribute to their downfall?
Charles:
A little of both, I’d say.The Bulls were hot from three, Zach LaVine was unstoppable, and they played with unbelievable resilience despite GiddeyS absence. But Boston’s frustration masked some key issues they need to address: their three-point defense was porous, and they seemed to abandon their game plan when things got tough. You can’t rely on contested threes to close a gap like that against a team firing on all cylinders.
Moderator:
The Bulls, conversely, seem to be finding their rhythm. Three wins in a row is impressive. What did they do right tonight that impresses you?
Charles: They played as a team, plain and simple. LaVine was the star, there’s no doubt whatsoever, but Dosunmu stepped up, Vucevic was a force in the paint, and they moved the ball effectively. That’s what good teams do – they rely on each other, not just one individual. This was a statement win against a tough opponent, especially on the road.
Moderator: You mentioned LaVine’s performance. Is this a turning point for him this season?
charles: He’s always been capable of putting up big numbers, but scoiring 36 points against a team like Boston is a step in the right direction.If he consistently plays like this,the Bulls are going to be a force to be reckoned with.
Moderator:
we saw some real fireworks in the closing minutes. Do you think this type of heated exchange is good for the game, or does it detract from the display of skill and sportsmanship we should be emphasizing?
Charles: Look, passion is part of the game. But there’s a line, and I think the Celtics crossed it tonight. They need to channel that frustration into positive energy and focus on playing better basketball.
Moderator: What do you make of this rematch in Chicago? Do you think the Celtics can bounce back and even the score?
Charles:
Chicago is on a roll right now,and I wouldn’t want to bet against them at home. but the Celtics are a talented team. If they can put this game behind them, address their issues, and play with more discipline, they’ve got a chance.
Moderator:
Thanks for your insights, Chuck. It’s always a pleasure hearing your perspective.
Now, readers, we want to hear from you! what are your thoughts on the Bulls’ dominant performance and the celtics’ meltdown? Was the officiating fair? Let us know in the comments below!