The Boston Celtics soundly defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls Tuesday evening, grabbing a 124-97 victory and moving to 14-4 on the season. Jaylen Brown led the way for Celtics with 30 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, but in reality, it was an emphatic team win for the guys in green. Six players scored in double figures for Boston
The Celtics entered the game needing to win by 23 or more to remain alive in the inaugural NBA in-season tournament. Point differential is a key determinant in group seeding for the tournament, and the Celtics had previously dug themselves a hole after losing by 17 to the Orlando Magic over the weekend. And because Orlando, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Celtics have all traded loses, point differential is the final consideration for settling team from Group C. Tonight’s big victory was enough for the Celts to win their group and advance to the knockout round of tournament.
Here’s what you may have missed from Boston’s loud 124-97 win against Chicago Tuesday night.
Boston's Al Horford's hustle is earning him rave reviews https://t.co/qOzXR7FJxN pic.twitter.com/PkqKorrvIW
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 28, 2023
Boston's offense
Boston shot a blistering 54.2% on 3-pointers in the first half alone, building a 19-point lead in the process. This scoring outburst continued in the second half, making for a long outing for Chicago. Boston led by as many as 35 at one point and shot 42.9% from 3 for the game overall.
It wasn’t just hot shooting that propelled a Celtics victory, however. The guys in green consistently attacked the rim. Jaylen Brown in particular had a couple of loud dunks, which is notable considering Chicago came into Tuesday’s action allowing the second fewest opponent points in the paint in the NBA. The Celtics logged 46 points restricted area on the evening.
Celtics Lab 229: Assessing the East at the 2023-24 NBA season's quarter-mark with Ky Carlin https://t.co/GhCtpFeorG pic.twitter.com/lUkQPBlOCG
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 29, 2023
Boston's defense
Offense was a big part of the story for the Celtics, but the team’s consistent defensive effort also kept things from ever getting close. Boston was especially good at protecting the rim.
As a team the Celtics registered 9 blocks, and grabbed 52 rebounds compared to 37 for Chicago. This really stopped the Bulls from developing any sort of mojo of their own on offense. They managed just 18 points in the third period, further cementing a Celtics victory.
Offense continues to be the headline for head coach Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics. But such a productive defensive showing can’t be ignored. Boston would have easily won this game even if the shots weren’t falling because of
Why the Boston Celtics can win a championship this season https://t.co/FDcWXj6WNb pic.twitter.com/P53vbe1Oio
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 28, 2023
Final thoughts
Tonight we saw the Celtics at their best, and blowout victories like this are becoming something of a calling card for Mazzulla’s Celtics. Such is the case when you combine lethal 3-point shooting and relentless defense.
Boston will face another big test this Friday when they host the reigning MVP Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. While it is still early in the season, the game may help better organize the pecking order in the Eastern Conference for the foreseeable future.
Jaylen Brown is becoming a star in his new role https://t.co/MtzniWNjnB pic.twitter.com/zp3XZIYQZB
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 28, 2023
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