Overview

• The Boston Celtics lost 117-108 to the Chicago Bulls, with tensions flaring late in the fourth quarter over officiating decisions.
• Head coach Joe Mazzulla and forward Jaylen Brown were given back-to-back technical fouls after protesting a non-foul call during a loose ball scramble.
• Mazzulla admitted his technical was for stepping onto the court but downplayed the incident postgame with a sarcastic remark about wishing the officials happy holidays.
• Jaylen Brown criticized referee Justin Van Duyne, accusing him of using technical fouls as a threat and describing the calls as detrimental to the game’s outcome.
• The Celtics will face the Bulls again on Saturday, providing another opportunity for the teams to meet following the contentious game.