On Thursday night, Zach LaVine scored a season-high 36 points, leading the Chicago Bulls to a stunning 117-108 upset victory against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. The win marks the Bulls' third consecutive success and brings their season record to 13-15, just as they prepare for another confrontation with the Celtics set for Saturday.
The game saw LaVine deliver an impressive performance, shooting 11-of-19 from the field and connecting on six three-pointers. Alongside him, Ayo Dosunmu scored 17 points and Nikola Vucevic made significant contributions with 16 points and 14 rebounds. The Bulls outshone their opponents, particularly during the pivotal fourth quarter where they outscored Boston 35-22.
LaVine's confidence was palpable as he commented post-game, "We’re a good team. We’re competitive and we’re a resilient group." His leadership and scoring prowess were evident, especially during the fourth period where the Bulls surged to close out the game. This decisive run was highlighted by technical fouls on Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, star Jason Tatum, and Jaylen Brown, which left Boston scrambling and struggling to regroup as the Bulls pulled away.
The Celtics faced difficulty as their attempts to respond were thwarted by the Bulls' aggressive defense and sharp shooting. Tatum managed to lead his team with 31 points, supported by Kristaps Porzingis and Brown with 20 and 19 points, respectively. Despite their efforts, the Celtics, who fell to 21-6 with this loss, were unable to overcome the momentum generated by the Bulls' offensive output.
The key moment of the match came early in the final quarter when Chicago opened with a remarkable 17-4 run, attempting to secure the victory. After consecutive technical fouls were awarded to Mazzulla and Brown following a contentious non-call during gameplay, LaVine capitalized by hitting both free throws. He then launched a remarkable 31-footer three-pointer, extending the Bulls' lead to 104-96.
Boston's defensive lapses played a pivotal role as they allowed the Bulls to find rhythm and confidence, making 19 three-pointers throughout the match, shattering their previous streak of holding opponents under 10 three-pointers.
Conversely, the technical fouls and frustrations shown by the Celtics emphasized the struggle they faced against the resilient Bulls. Coach Mazzulla's distress was evident as he needed to be restrained by his assistants from confronting the officials, showcasing just how heated the game had become.
The Bulls' victorious night not only showcased LaVine's talents but also underscored the team's capability to compete against the best. With two games approaching against the Celtics, this victory could signify momentum as they look to build on their recent successes.
After this match, LaVine's clarion call for recognition was evident: the Bulls' commitment to improvement and resilience was at the forefront of this impressive showing. The next match will be pivotal as both teams look to determine the tone of their rivalry moving forward, especially under the heightened emotions following Thursday's encounter.
