Celtics Edge Bulls in Thriller
The Boston Celtics triumphed over the Chicago Bulls with a final score of 138-129 in a competitive NBA Cup pool game held on Saturday night. Jayson Tatum's impressive performance, scoring 35 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, was instrumental in leading the Celtics to victory.
Key Contributions
In addition to Tatum's standout game, Payton Pritchard emerged as a significant contributor off the bench, netting a season-high 29 points. His scoring surge included 11 consecutive points during a crucial fourth-quarter stretch that helped Boston secure the lead. Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis also played vital roles, each contributing 21 points to the team's offensive efforts.
Bulls' Notable Performances
For the Bulls, Nikola Vucevic delivered a strong performance with a season-high 32 points and 11 rebounds. Zach LaVine also had a noteworthy game, scoring 29 points, which included four three-pointers that allowed him to become the franchise's all-time leader in made three-pointers, surpassing Kirk Hinrich.
Game Dynamics
The match was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging scoring runs. The first half ended in a tie at 67 points after a series of double-digit scoring runs from both sides. In the fourth quarter, Pritchard's back-to-back three-pointers initiated an 11-4 run that provided Boston with a crucial advantage.
Looking Forward
With this victory, the Celtics will next face the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Bulls will prepare to host the Brooklyn Nets. Both teams will look to build on their performances as the NBA Cup progresses.
