Overview
- Payton Pritchard led the surge with 28 points off the bench, hitting five 3-pointers in a 39-21 third quarter that blew the game open on Monday night.
- Jayson Tatum added 23 points, seven rebounds and six assists as the Celtics pushed their record to 2-1 while Paul George contributed 16 points.
- Boston finished with an unusually high-volume and efficient night from deep, making 21 of 44 triples, and used extra possessions to build and sustain a large lead.
- Chicago fell to 1-3 and continued to be affected by injuries, with center Nic Claxton sidelined by a left hamstring strain and Patrick Williams and Noa Essengue listed questionable, a shortfall Splitter said hurt their rim protection and rebounding.
- The game underscored a contrast in early-season trajectories: Boston's near-full rotation and perimeter depth produced a convincing win, while the Bulls' young roster must improve defense and board work as the schedule tightens.