The Boston Celtics kicked off their Emirates NBA Cup run with a 125-111 win over the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden on Friday night, but don’t let that final score fool you. What started as a clinic, with a massive 32-point lead, ended with a concerning collapse that saw Chicago cut that margin down to just 14. Boston’s now 1-0 in East Group C, but that disappearing lead could seriously haunt them in the Cup standings.
First Half Fireworks and a Cyborg Pritchard
Boston absolutely came out firing, making it clear they’re taking the NBA Cup seriously this year. Their first five baskets were all in the paint, setting a dominant tone. They dropped a ridiculous 44 points in the first quarter, shot an insane 63 percent in the first half, and went into halftime with a commanding 78-49 lead. Talk about a statement! Payton Pritchard was practically a cheat code in that first half, channeling his “cyborg version” with 20 points on 70% shooting in just 15 minutes. The team looked unstoppable, and frankly, we were all hoping for a 150-point outing at that pace.
Paul George, who feels like he was always meant to be a Celtic, just amplified that energy. His connection with Jayson Tatum is already looking instant and incredible. Whether it’s Tatum or George initiating the play, they just know how to create good looks for each other. George can run the offense himself, sure, but he’s just as happy making that extra pass or cutting behind a defender to make someone else’s life easier. That’s just quintessential Celtics basketball right there.
Second Half Slump and Point Differential Worries
Then the second half happened, and things got a whole lot less comfortable. The Bulls absolutely stomped Boston, winning the half 62-47. That’s a 15-point swing, wiping out nearly half of Boston’s once-commanding lead. Joe Mazzulla, the coach, definitely had plenty to be annoyed about with that second-half performance. They led by as much as 32 points, only to win by 14. That’s 18 points that just *disappeared*.
Why does this matter so much? Well, Washington also won their opener in East Group C, leaving both teams 1-0. But the Wizards are already two points ahead on point differential, which is a critical tiebreaker in the NBA Cup group stage. Those 18 points Boston let slip away aren’t just a minor blip; they could legitimately be the difference maker as the Cup standings tighten up. Boston absolutely started strong, but they’ve given themselves an uphill battle in the differential department right out of the gate.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Celtics Blog.
Leave a Reply