The Boston Celtics made a loud statement in their final game before the 2026 All-Star break, dismantling the Chicago Bulls with a 124–105 victory at TD Garden. It was a game defined by a massive first-half surge and a bittersweet reunion for two players recently swapped at the trade deadline.
First Half Fireworks
Boston wasted no time asserting their dominance. After a competitive start where Chicago shot 4-for-4 from deep, the Celtics shifted into another gear. Payton Pritchard was the catalyst, scoring 10 points in the first quarter alone, including a cold-blooded step-back three over Jaden Ivey. By the time the halftime whistle blew, Boston held a staggering 72–44 lead, effectively putting the game out of reach before the third quarter even began.
The Trade Narrative: Vucevic vs. Simons
The spotlight was firmly on Nikola Vučević and Anfernee Simons, playing against their former teams for the first time since their deadline-day swap.
- Vučević looked right at home in green, posting a dominant 19-point, 11-rebound double-double. His post presence and chemistry with the Celtics’ shooters were too much for a smaller Chicago frontcourt.
- Simons, on the other hand, had a night to forget. Hounded by Boston’s elite perimeter defense, he finished with just 7 points, snapping a streak of four consecutive 15+ point performances.
Key Performers
- Payton Pritchard (BOS): 26 points off the bench (Game high).
- Jaylen Brown (BOS): 24 points, fueled by a series of aggressive drives to the paint.
- Rob Dillingham (CHI): 16 points and 7 assists, providing a lone spark for the struggling Bulls.
- Matas Buzelis (CHI): 15 points and 8 rebounds in a solid effort.
Looking Ahead
The Bulls head into the break on a discouraging six-game losing streak, hindered significantly by injuries to key players like Josh Giddey and Tre Jones. Meanwhile, the Celtics (35–19) sit comfortably as the 2nd seed in the East.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, February 19, with the Bulls hosting the Raptors and the Celtics traveling to face the Golden State Warriors.
