Zach LaVine exploded for a season-high 36 points as the Chicago Bulls stormed past the Boston Celtics 117-108 on Thursday night.
Fueled by a dominant fourth-quarter performance, Chicago took the opener of a home-and-home set with Boston, extending their win streak to a season-best three games.
LaVine’s electric night was backed by strong contributions from Ayo Dosunmu, who chipped in 17 points, and Nikola Vucevic, who recorded a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Chicago’s offensive rhythm was undeniable, connecting on 19 shots from beyond the arc and outscoring Boston 35-22 in the decisive final period.
Boston, led by Jayson Tatum’s 31 points, couldn’t maintain their composure down the stretch. Kristaps Porzingis added 20 points and eight rebounds, but the Celtics faltered late, allowing Chicago to pull away in the closing moments.
The turning point came early in the fourth quarter when the Bulls unleashed a 17-4 run to erase Boston’s lead and build a 99-90 advantage. Despite a brief six-point surge from Boston, the Celtics unraveled after a series of costly technical fouls. Coach Joe Mazzulla and Jaylen Brown were each hit with technicals for protesting a non-call, and LaVine capitalized by sinking two free throws. Moments later, LaVine drilled a deep 31-foot 3-pointer to push Chicago’s lead to 104-96.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
Frustration boiled over for Boston as Tatum also received a technical foul, further aiding the Bulls’ late-game surge. Mazzulla’s dissatisfaction continued after the game when he had to be restrained by assistant coaches during a heated exchange with the officials.
For Chicago, this victory marked one of their most complete performances of the season, even without Josh Giddey, who sat out due to a sprained ankle. The Bulls showcased their depth and resilience, locking in defensively while maintaining offensive efficiency against one of the league’s top teams.
Boston, now with just their fourth home loss of the season, appeared rattled by the Bulls’ relentless fourth-quarter push. The Celtics settled for rushed shots from beyond the arc late, struggling to match Chicago’s intensity on both ends of the floor.
Defensive Streak for Chicago
The game also ended an impressive defensive streak for Chicago. The Celtics’ 14 3-pointers snapped a run of three consecutive games in which the Bulls had held opponents to under 10 made threes. However, Chicago’s perimeter scoring—highlighted by LaVine’s precision—proved to be the difference-maker.
Dosunmu’s energy and Vucevic’s dominance on the boards were instrumental in keeping the Bulls competitive through the first three quarters, setting the stage for LaVine’s fourth-quarter heroics. The Bulls’ ability to force Boston into uncharacteristic mistakes highlighted their growth in poise and execution late in games.
The two teams are set to meet again Saturday night in Chicago, where the Bulls will look to sweep the back-to-back and continue their upward trajectory. Meanwhile, Boston will aim to regroup and regain their early-season form after an uncharacteristically undisciplined performance.
For LaVine and the Bulls, this win was more than just another tally in the win column—it was a statement against one of the NBA’s elite teams, showcasing their potential when firing on all cylinders. As Chicago builds momentum, they’ve sent a clear message: they’re not backing down.