Make that five in a row for the Celtics.
Boston made easy work of the lowly Chicago Bulls on Saturday night at United Center thanks in part to a big night from Daniel Theis and Jaylen Brown, along with seven players contributing double-digits in the win. The C’s came out hot, but briefly slowed down in the second quarter before running all over the Bulls en route to a 133-77 victory.
Both Al Horford and Aron Baynes were sidelined with injuries, paving the way for Marcus Smart and Theis to slot into the starting five. Theis made the most of his night posting a career-high in points with 22.
Jaylen Brown paced his teammates with a game-high 23 points, while Jayson Tatum (18), Terry Rozier (15), Kyrie Irving (13), Semi Ojeleye (13) and Marcus Morris (12) all finished in double figures.
With the win, Boston improves to 15-10, while Chicago drops to 6-21.
Here’s how it all went down:
STARTING FIVE:
PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: Marcus Smart
SF: Jayson Tatum
PF: Marcus Morris
C: Daniel Theis
NOTHING BUT CELTICS
To say Boston controlled the first 12 minutes would be an understatement.
The Celtics made a statement early, going on a 17-0 run before the Bulls even could get on the board by way of the free-throw line after missing their first 10 shots of the game.
It didn’t get much better for Chicago as Boston took an 18-point lead into the second quarter with the starters scoring 31 (!) of the green’s first 35 points.
BOSTON TAKES 21-POINT LEAD INTO HALF
The Celtics got a bit sloppy in the second and the Bulls tried to capitalize, but Boston woke up and pulled away to end the half.
Rozier heated up at the right time in the second quarter, providing 10 points. He was just one of four players to in double figures through the first two quarters.
The Celtics closed out the half on an 8-0 run to take a 64-43 lead into the locker room. Morris led the squad with 12 points and shot 80 percent from the field. Rozier, Tatum and Theis chipped in with 10, while Zach Levine led the Bulls with 11 points.
SETTING RECORDS
Boston kept dominating the game from everywhere on the court, especially the three-point mark and set a new franchise record in the process.
Two more C’s jumped into double-digit points with Brown (10) and Irving (13) helping Boston gain a hefty 27-point lead heading into the final 12 minutes while showing no signs of letting up.
BOSTON EASILY SEALS VICTORY
Brown turned in his second straight game of 20-plus points by dominating the fourth quarter.
With seven minutes left to play, head coach Brad Stevens had all bench players on the court and they showed no signs of slowing down. But as good as the team looked in the fourth, it took a blow with 6:10 remaining when Guerschon Yabusele awkwardly came down on his ankle and had to be helped off the court and into the locker room.
Boston proceeded to make easy work of the Bulls and closed out the blowout win.
PLAY OF THE GAME
Theis was feeling it Saturday night.
UP NEXT
The Celtics return home Monday when they welcome to the New Orleans Pelicans to TD Garden. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET.
