BOSTON — The Celtics entered the All-Star break with a dominant 124-105 win over the Bulls on Wednesday at TD Garden. The C’s went up big in the first half then never looked back in the comfortable victory to get to 35-19 on the season.
Payton Pritchard set the tone early, making him Wednesday’s “Name to Know” Player of the Game. The Name to Know Player of the Game is sponsored by John’s Sewer and Drain Cleaning, the Name to Know when your drains don’t flow.
Pritchard finished with 26 points, five rebounds and eight assists to help pace the Celtics. His hot start allowed the Celtics to build their big advantage. Pritchard finished with 33 minutes played, once again coming off the bench for the C’s. It’s a role he knows well as the NBA’s reigning Sixth Man of the Year.
The Celtics had a tough loss to the Knicks last time out, but they blew out the Bulls to bounce back. It was an impressive showing also considering that it was the final game of the All-Star break. The C’s didn’t look past Wednesday’s game, making sure they got the victory before taking the next week off.
Jaylen Brown had 24 points for the Celtics, and he’ll head to Los Angeles as an All-Star starter. New big man acquisition Nikola Vucevic had 19 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 7-for-12 from the field and 4-for-5 on 3-pointers. The Celtics enter the break in second place in the East.