The Boston Celtics kicked off their NBA Cup campaign with a solid 125-111 victory over the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden on Friday night. This win extends their current hot streak to four consecutive victories, with their last result a 125-111 triumph over the Bulls on October 30, 2026.
Jayson Tatum set the tone with a well-rounded 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists in 34 minutes. The real story, though, was Payton Pritchard's explosive performance off the bench. The point guard poured in a game-high 30 points, attacking the rim aggressively and earning a career-high 9 free throw attempts. Boston's offense was nearly unstoppable in the first half, building a commanding 78-49 lead by the break. They shot a blistering 63 percent from the floor before the intermission.
The first-half explosion was the foundation. Boston's ball movement was crisp, and they dominated the paint early. That massive halftime cushion proved vital. The Bulls mounted a predictable push in the second half, and the Celtics' shooting cooled to 36 percent. But the lead was simply too large to overcome. Pritchard's scoring burst provided essential secondary offense behind Tatum, ensuring the Bulls' comeback attempt never truly threatened the outcome. It was a classic case of building a lead and managing it down the stretch.
Beyond securing a positive start in the NBA Cup's group stage, this victory reinforces the team's impressive recent form. Their record over the last five games stands at 4 wins and 1 loss, a run that includes tight wins like the 125-124 thriller against the Brooklyn Nets on October 27 and a 107-103 decision over the New York Knicks. The lone blemish was a 121-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons on October 20. Building consistency early in the season is a priority, and performances like this, where different players step up, are a positive sign.
The schedule doesn't let up. The Celtics must quickly shift focus to their next challenge, a road game against the Orlando Magic on November 1, 2026. Maintaining this momentum on the road will be the next test. The Magic present a different stylistic challenge, and Boston will need to carry over their defensive intensity from the first half against Chicago for a full 48 minutes. Securing another win would stays near the top of the Eastern Conference and keep them perfect in the NBA Cup's early stage. Fans can view the upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
