In their first loss of the 2022-23 NBA season, the Boston Celtics had a painful reminder that old habits die hard. After a scorching start to their game against the Chicago Bulls, Boston took its foot off the pedal and blew a 19-point lead in the first quarter. The Celtics’ offense grew stagnant, and the Bulls ran away with the game in the blink of an eye.
What made matters worse was the team’s reaction to officiating. After tensions rose and escalated, Joe Mazzulla was issued back-to-back techs and ejected. Not too long after, Grant Williams was issued back-to-back fouls during possessions, and as he got up, he bumped into an official and was tossed from the game as well.
