The Chicago Bulls pulled off a stunning upset against the Boston Celtics, defeating them 117-108 on December 19, 2024, at TD Garden. Zach LaVine led the charge for the Bulls, scoring a season-high 36 points, helping his team end the game on a high note after overcoming several challenges throughout.
Going head-to-head with the defending NBA champions, the Celtics had high expectations heading toward the matchup, especially after winning their previous two games. Jayson Tatum was the standout for Boston, netting 31 points, but his individual performance wasn’t enough to secure the victory for the Celtics.
The game began with the teams exchanging leads during the first three quarters. Boston initially took control with some strong defensive plays from Kristaps Porzingis and contributions from Derrick White. Despite these efforts, they could not maintain consistent momentum due to their struggles from beyond the arc.
At halftime, the Celtics held a narrow 57-54 lead, but their shooting from 3-point range was abysmal, as they were successful on only six of their 24 attempts by the half's end. This poor shooting continued to plague them, culminating with the Celtics finishing the game just 14-for-56 from 3-point range, marking one of their worst performances of the season from deep with only 25 percent success.
The Bulls, on the other hand, leveraged their three-point shooting effectively, even as they struggled to score inside. LaVine's ability to knock down shots from the perimeter and take charge of the offense kept Chicago within reach throughout the game.
The pivotal moment arrived early in the fourth quarter, when the Bulls launched themselves on a remarkable 19-4 run. This surge was pivotal and shifted the momentum decisively. The Celtics found themselves unable to reclaim control, allowing Chicago to pull away with authority.
With the Bulls leading by as many as eight points at one stage, Boston attempted to fight back. The starters responded with some spirited play, trimming the lead to just three points with five minutes remaining. But then, Chicago struck back with urgency, capitalizing on successive possessions, including hitting important three-pointers to swing the momentum back to their favor.
The tension escalated when Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics' coach, and Jaylen Brown both received technical fouls for arguing after a jump-ball call. This moment highlighted the rising frustration within the Boston camp, which would prove significant as the game progressed. A contentious five-point possession emerged shortly after, showcasing LaVine's hot hand as he converted another three-pointer to solidify the Bulls' advantage.
Late-game execution proved pivotal, as the Celtics could only muster six points within the final four minutes, allowing the Bulls to maintain control and close out the game strong for their win.
After suffering through losses, Chicago's victory was both timely and necessary. The Bulls improved their record to 13-15, displaying resilience and grit on the court. This victory snapped their five-game losing streak against the Celtics, showcasing their ability to compete at high levels regardless of prior performance.
Meanwhile, the Celtics, now at 21-6, would face the questions surrounding their shooting going forward, particularly as they prepare for the rematch against the Bulls this weekend. Headed back to Chicago, the Celtics will need to recalibrate quickly and find their rhythm to avoid another setback at the United Center on December 21, 2024.
The Bulls will look to repeat their success, and if LaVine can replicate his performance, Chicago’s chances for victory will rise significantly. The upcoming rematch promises to be intensely competitive, with both teams eager to prove their mettle on the court once again.
