Celtics 134 - Bulls 99 (10/26/2026): Pritchard Shines With 28 Points

The Boston Celtics cruised past the Chicago Bulls with a resounding 134–99 victory at TD Garden. The Celtics dominated right from the start and never looked back. Boston's strong performance improved their record to 2-1, while the Bulls slipped to 1-3.

Strong Start for Boston

In the first quarter, the Celtics set the tone with a 33-point outburst, while holding the Bulls to just 21 points. Payton Pritchard was instrumental in this stretch, leading the charge for Boston. The team displayed efficient shooting and aggressive rebounding.

By halftime, Boston maintained their lead, with the score tied at 33 in the second quarter. Jayson Tatum contributed with key plays, helping to keep the momentum on Boston's side. The Bulls struggled to find their rhythm, particularly with their outside shooting.

The Bulls managed 33 points in the second quarter, but they couldn't cut into the deficit. Caleb Wilson led Chicago with a solid performance, but it wasn't enough to challenge Boston's first-half dominance. The Celtics' defense stifled the Bulls' attempts at a comeback.

Boston's Second Half Surge

The third quarter saw Boston extend their lead even further, outscoring Chicago 39–21. Pritchard continued to shine, while Tatum and Hugo González provided additional firepower. Boston's shooting from beyond the arc was particularly impressive, with the team hitting 47.7% of their threes.

In the final quarter, the Celtics added 29 more points to their tally. The Bulls, on the other hand, could only muster 24 points. Despite the efforts of Norman Powell and Josh Giddey, Chicago couldn't bridge the gap.

Chicago's struggles were evident in their shooting percentages, hitting only 39.3% from the field and 27.3% from three-point range. Turnovers also plagued the Bulls, with 24 throughout the game. These factors made it difficult for them to mount any serious challenge.

Notable Performances

For Boston, Payton Pritchard stood out with 28 points, providing a spark for the Celtics' offense. Jayson Tatum added 23 points, along with seven rebounds and six assists, showcasing his all-around game. Hugo González chipped in with 13 points, supporting the team's efforts on both ends.

On the Bulls' side, Caleb Wilson led with 17 points and five rebounds. Norman Powell managed 20 points, and Josh Giddey contributed 11 points and four assists. Despite their individual performances, the team's collective effort fell short against Boston's cohesive play.

Boston's defense proved to be a key component, forcing Chicago into tough shots and capitalizing on their mistakes. The Celtics showed depth and balance, with multiple players contributing to the victory.

With this win, the Celtics aim to continue their strong form as they prepare to face the Brooklyn Nets. The Bulls will look to regroup before their upcoming game against the New York Knicks.

Both teams are early in the season, and adjustments will be crucial as they strive for success. Boston's impressive play has them on a positive trajectory, while Chicago seeks to find consistency.

The Celtics' next game will be at home against the Brooklyn Nets on October 27. The Bulls will host the New York Knicks at the United Center on October 28, looking to bounce back.