Celtics dominate Bulls as Kristaps Porzingis scores 34 points
- Kristaps Porzingis scored a season-high 34 points against the Chicago Bulls.
- Boston Celtics maintained a strong lead throughout the game, bouncing back from a recent loss.
- The Bulls suffered their eighth loss in nine games, struggling without leading scorer Zach LaVine.
On January 29, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts, the Boston Celtics secured a convincing victory against the Chicago Bulls with a score of 122-100. The standout performance came from Kristaps Porzingis, who registered a season-high of 34 points, 26 of which came in the first half. Porzingis made an impressive eight three-point shots out of 14 attempts, along with 11 rebounds in just 33 minutes of play. This victory marked a significant bounce back for the Celtics after their recent loss to the Houston Rockets, where they had been frustrated by the team's performance. In addition to Porzingis, Jaylen Brown made significant contributions, adding 28 points to the scoreboard, and Derrick White and Jayson Tatum also played key roles with 22 and 16 points respectively. The Celtics took control early on, establishing a double-digit lead just two minutes into the game and maintaining pressure throughout the match. By the midway point of the third quarter, the Celtics had their biggest lead at 86-62, capitalizing on a strong offensive display. The game's dynamics were markedly impacted by the absence of Zach LaVine, the Bulls' leading scorer, who missed the matchup for personal reasons. LaVine averages about 24 points per game, so his absence was keenly felt, and Chicago struggled to maintain competitiveness in the face of Boston's aggressive offense. The Bulls were only able to score 100 points, and their performance highlighted their ongoing difficulties, having lost eight out of their last nine games. Coby White led the Bulls with 16 points in his first game back after an ankle injury that sidelined him for four consecutive contests. This performance by the Celtics provides a shining example of their potential when firing on all cylinders, though they remain only 7-6 in their last 13 games, demonstrating inconsistency. As they continue their season, the Celtics will look to build on this victory as they move forward into a three-game trip, beginning with a contest at New Orleans. The Chicago Bulls are still navigating through their rough patch as they prepare for their next game against the Toronto Raptors, aiming to regain composure and find a semblance of the winning form they once displayed.