It took three games, but the Boston Celtics finally picked up their first win of the series with a 104-87 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
Unlike the first two games, Boston's starting lineup was able to enforce their will and dictate the tempo right from the opening tip. Led by Al Horford (18 points, eight rebounds, six assists) and Isaiah Thomas (16 points, nine assists), Boston built a 20-point lead right at the start of the second quarter.
The @chicagobulls erase a 20 point deficit and now trail by 3. @celtics lead 44-41 at half on @ESPNNBA.
— NBA (@NBA) April 22, 2017
Wade: 14 PTS. Bradley: 11 PTS. pic.twitter.com/aKrlA6V3Jx
Chicago did rally late in the quarter with a 24-7 run, but Boston took a 44-41 lead into the break. The Bulls cut the lead to one early in the second half, but never took the lead. Boston immediately responded as Thomas scored six points on a quick 8-0 run to put themselves back in control, and they never looked back.
Again! pic.twitter.com/3tO69nPkaB
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 22, 2017
Chicago was playing without Rajon Rondo, who is out for the rest of the series with a broken thumb, and their offense appeared out of whack for most of the night. They only had 14 assists as a team on the night, while Boston had 33.
Dwyane Wade did score 18 points to lead the Bulls, but Jimmy Butler was limited to just 14 points on 7-21 shooting.
Avery Bradley's stellar defense caused that off night from Butler, but Bradley was also able to contribute offensively, finishing with 15 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Terry Rozier added 11 points off the bench.
Boston will try to even the series in Game 4, which is Sunday at 6:30 pm ET on TNT.
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