Jayson Tatum delivered a performance for the ages, becoming the first player in Boston Celtics history to record a 40-15-10 game, as Boston crushed the Chicago Bulls 123-98. Two days after a disappointing loss to the Bulls, the Celtics responded emphatically in Chicago, dominating the paint and capitalizing on a massive third quarter to secure the victory.
Tatum was the centerpiece of Boston’s effort, torching Chicago for 43 points on 16-of-24 shooting, including 9-of-15 from beyond the arc. His stat line also included 16 rebounds and 10 assists, making him just the second player in NBA history to post at least 40 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists with nine made three-pointers (joining James Harden in 2016). Kristaps Porziņģis chipped in 22 efficient points, while Jaylen Brown added 19. Meanwhile, the Bulls faltered offensively, shooting just 38% from the field and 33% from deep.
The game began competitively, with Chicago picking up where they left off in their last matchup, hitting six first-quarter threes on 13 attempts. Boston, in contrast, struggled to connect from outside, making just 3-of-10 attempts in the opening frame. Despite the shooting disparity, Chicago missed several opportunities at the rim, including multiple dunks, and the first quarter ended in a 28-28 tie.
In the second quarter, the Bulls’ outside shooting cooled off, and their interior struggles persisted. They hit just three triples in the frame, which allowed Boston to take control. Tatum and Brown were instrumental, combining for 31 first-half points to give the Celtics a 61-54 halftime lead.
Boston’s Achilles’ heel in the first half was three-point shooting, but they began to find their stroke after the break. Despite only modest improvement from beyond the arc, the Celtics dominated inside, relentlessly attacking the paint to rack up 48 points there through three quarters. Tatum was unstoppable, pouring in 18 points in the third to surpass 30 for the game. Boston’s lead grew to as much as 16, and they entered the fourth quarter firmly in command, 93-77.
The final quarter held little suspense, save for whether Tatum could secure the assist needed for his triple-double. Boston opened the frame with an 11-2 run, pushing their lead past 20 points. With the game well in hand, it seemed unlikely Tatum would return, but he checked back in to complete his historic feat. His final assist sealed the milestone, capping a spectacular night for the Celtics.
Up next, Boston will face the injury-depleted Orlando Magic in Florida. Tip-off is set for 7 PM EST on NBC Sports Boston.
