Miracle shots are fun to watch, but you can’t depend on them to win basketball games by definition. And such was the case for a visibly weary Boston Celtics squad as they took on the Chicago Bulls less than 24 hours after starting the double-overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets the night before.
The Celtics managed to keep the Bulls within eight points either way throughout the contest, but their lack of legs led to a lot of perimeter makes, Chicago hitting 21 to Boston’s 15 on the way to a 114-113 win sewed up as Payton Pritchard (10 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists) narrowly missed a game-winner. Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 33 points, plus 8 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal, and a block. Derrick White (15 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, a steal, and a block) also stood out among the starters.
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Off the bench, Anfernee Simons had 21 points, 4 boards, 5 assists and 2 steals, but had little help from the other reserves in this contest.
Jan 24, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3)drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Baylor Scheierman (55)during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
With the loss, the Celtics fall to 28-17 on the season, and hold a single-game lead over the New York Knicks to hold onto second place in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing the Detroit Pistons by 5 games.
The Celtics next face the Portland Trail Blazers on the road at Moda Center on Monday, Jan. 26.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Boston’s tired legs can’t defend the 3 as Celtics fall 114-11 to Bulls