The Chicago Bulls, owners of a 3-13 road record, outplayed, outworked and outhustled the Celtics at the Garden tonight. The final score: 96-83.
The Celtics fell behind early, 29-18 after the 1st quarter and never recovered (Looks like I guessed right in my game preview).
The Bulls held the advantage in all the hustle categories: 10 blocks (although it seemed like 20), 9 steals and 15 offensive rebounds.
Whenever the Celtics made a run, they'd shoot themselves in the foot with a critical turnover (15), missed free throws (15-for-28) or bad shot.
Luol Deng torched the Cs for 25 points on 8-13 FG. Joakim Noah finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Paul Pierce had a rough shooting night: 6-18 FG for 20 points. Rondo had 15 points, 7 assists and 5 TOs. Ray Allen mustered just 8 points in 35 minutes. The Celtics now have as many home losses (11-6) this season as they've had in each of the past two seasons (35-6).
Prior to the game, Doc Rivers said there's an outside chance Kevin Garnett will return for next Friday's game (Jan 22) against the Trail Blazers. Rivers thinks Rasheed Wallace will play Monday vs Dallas.