The Boston Celtics made a triumphant return to TD Garden on January 5, 2026, dispatching the injury-plagued Chicago Bulls 115-101 for their fourth consecutive victory. After a grueling five-game road trip, the Celtics wasted no time reminding the home crowd why they’re climbing the Eastern Conference ladder, overcoming a tough shooting night with grit, hustle, and some second-half fireworks from Anfernee Simons.
Boston’s win improved their record to 23-12, vaulting them past the New York Knicks into second place in the East. The Bulls, meanwhile, fell to 17-19, still searching for answers as they navigate a stretch riddled with injuries to key players. The night was filled with drama, momentum swings, and a few surprises that kept fans glued to their seats until the final buzzer.
For the Celtics, this matchup marked their first home game since December 22, 2025, a stretch that saw them notch a 4-1 record on the road. The energy in TD Garden was palpable, and the players fed off the crowd, especially as the game wore on and the stakes became clear. "It felt great to be back in front of our fans," said Payton Pritchard after the game. "We wanted to give them a show and keep our streak alive."
The Bulls entered the contest shorthanded, missing several regulars. Josh Giddey, Chicago’s leading scorer, was ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Jalen Smith (concussion protocol), Zach Collins (toe), Trentyn Flowers (knee), and Noa Essengue (shoulder) also sat out. Coby White, battling a calf issue, suited up but was clearly not at full strength. The depleted roster forced head coach Billy Donovan to get creative with his lineups, starting Tre Jones, Isaac Okoro, Matas Buzelis, Patrick Williams, and Nikola Vucevic. Vucevic, ever the steady presence, tried to shoulder the load, but the Celtics’ defense made life tough for the Bulls’ big man.
The opening quarter saw both teams feeling each other out, with Boston’s offense sputtering early. The Celtics shot just 40% from the field on the night, far below their season average of 117.9 points per game. But what they lacked in shooting efficiency, they made up for in hustle, especially on the offensive glass. Boston dominated the Bulls 20-6 in offensive rebounds, creating numerous second-chance opportunities that proved decisive.
Payton Pritchard set the tone with relentless energy, finishing with 21 points and providing a steady hand at the point. Jaylen Brown, fresh off a career-high 50-point performance against the Clippers, faced tighter coverage but still managed to contribute on both ends. Derrick White, averaging 18.7 points and 5.3 assists this season, chipped in with timely buckets and solid defense, while Neemias Queta continued his steady play in the paint, grabbing key rebounds and altering shots.
But it was Anfernee Simons who stole the show in the second half. Simons erupted for all 27 of his points after halftime, catching fire from beyond the arc and breaking open what had been a tight contest. "I just tried to stay aggressive and let the game come to me," Simons told NBC Sports Boston in a postgame interview. "My teammates kept finding me in good spots, and once I saw a couple go in, I knew I was in rhythm." Simons and Pritchard combined to shoot 12-for-21 from three-point range, a crucial factor on a night when the rest of the team struggled to find their mark.
Chicago hung tough in the first half, even taking a brief lead as Nikola Vucevic (who averages 16.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game) and rookie Matas Buzelis provided offensive sparks. Vucevic finished as the Bulls’ top scorer, while Buzelis and Tre Jones contributed with efficient playmaking. The Bulls, who average 118.3 points per game, couldn’t keep pace in the second half as fatigue and Boston’s relentless rebounding took their toll.
As the third quarter unfolded, the Celtics began to pull away. Simons drilled back-to-back threes to ignite the crowd, and Boston’s defense buckled down, forcing turnovers and limiting Chicago’s looks at the rim. The Bulls’ shooting woes after halftime mirrored their recent struggles; they managed just 35.7% from the field in the second half, a stat that ultimately sealed their fate.
The Celtics’ bench also played a pivotal role, with Jordan Walsh grabbing 13 rebounds to go along with his hustle plays. Boston’s depth has been a strength all season, and it was on full display as head coach Joe Mazzulla found productive minutes from nearly every player in the rotation. With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury, the team’s collective effort was even more impressive.
For Chicago, the loss highlighted the challenges of competing without a full roster. Coby White, the Bulls’ second-leading scorer at 19.2 points per game, was limited in both minutes and impact due to his calf issue. The absence of Josh Giddey, who has been a catalyst for their offense, left the Bulls searching for alternative scoring options. Despite the adversity, head coach Billy Donovan remained optimistic: "We’re going to keep fighting. This group has shown resilience all year, and we’ll get healthy and be ready for the next one."
Looking at the broader picture, the Celtics’ recent surge—winners of 13 out of their last 16 games—has them firmly in the conversation as an Eastern Conference powerhouse. Their ability to grind out wins, even on off shooting nights, bodes well for the long season ahead. As they prepare to host the defending champion Denver Nuggets next, the Celtics’ confidence is sky-high.
The Bulls, meanwhile, will need to regroup and hope for better health as they continue their road swing. The Eastern Conference playoff race remains tight, and every game counts as the season nears its midpoint.
For Celtics fans, Monday night was a celebration—a welcome-home party capped by a gritty, team-oriented victory. For the Bulls, it was another tough lesson in perseverance amid adversity. With the NBA season heating up, both teams know there’s little time to dwell on the past. The Celtics will look to extend their streak, while the Bulls aim to bounce back and keep their postseason hopes alive.
As the TD Garden crowd filtered out into the chilly Boston night, the message was clear: this Celtics squad is for real, and they’re just getting started. The Bulls, battered but unbowed, will have their chance to respond as the marathon NBA season rolls on.
