Bulls, Boston Celtics reconvene in Chicago for another NBA game after lopsided fourth quarter
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Chicago Bulls guard Coby White drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White and centre Kristaps Porzingis in the second half at TD Garden.
PHOTO: REUTERS
CHICAGO – The Boston Celtics did not look like themselves during their 117-108 National Basketball Association (NBA) home loss to the Chicago Bulls on Dec 19.
They tied a club record by missing 42 three-point attempts (14 of 56) and were outscored 35-22 in the fourth quarter.
The Celtics will try to regain their form and avoid losing to the Bulls for the second time in three nights when they visit Chicago on Dec 21 (Dec 22, Singapore time).
“We were getting decent looks, but we just weren’t making them,” Boston centre Kristaps Porzingis said. “And when you’re not making them, not that our energy was lacking, but it’s just not the same hype.
“And honestly, they were taking and making some tough shots, and they were also making the open ones.”
Chicago’s Zach LaVine connected on six of 11 three-point attempts and finished with a season-high 36 points.
“He’s been great, very unselfish,” Chicago coach Billy Donovan said of LaVine.
“He’s tried to lead. His poise, his composure has been great. Zach kept playing the right way, picked his spots, took his shots when they were there.
“I thought he played a great game as far as shot selection, the quality of shots, how aggressive he was... I thought he was great all the way around.”
LaVine could again be a key threat to the Celtics in their rematch.
The victory ended Chicago’s five-game losing streak against Boston, which included a 138-129 home loss on Nov 29. It also gave the Bulls (13-15) three straight victories for the first time this season.
“From all predictions early on in the year, we’re better than what people predicted us to be just off the talent we had here,” LaVine said.
“We’re competitive, we can beat anybody. We’re a resilient group.”
While the Celtics misfired from behind the arc, the Bulls made 19 of 52 three-point attempts.
Boston shot 39.2 per cent from the field, which was their worst shooting percentage in a game this season. Things would have to change fast if they are to get back to winning ways in their NBA title defence.
The Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference on 21-6, behind the Cleveland Cavaliers (24-4).
In another game on Dec 21, the Sacramento Kings hope limiting turnovers and fouling less can make a difference when they clash again with the Los Angeles Lakers in the California capital.
When the teams met at Sacramento on Dec 19, Austin Reaves had 25 points, Anthony Davis 21 and LeBron James 19, but the biggest difference-making numbers in Los Angeles’ 113-100 win came in turnovers and fouls.
The Lakers turned 17 Kings miscues into 24 points and 21 Sacramento fouls (including a technical) into 25 points from the free-throw line, giving them a 49-24 advantage in those areas.
It allowed the visitors to win despite being outshot overall 45.1 per cent to 40.4 per cent and 37.9 per cent to 36.4 per cent on three-pointers.
“I didn’t yell at the guys because there’s nothing to yell about,” Kings coach Mike Brown said.
“They know exactly what we have to do. It’s whether or not we go do it. Somehow, some way, I’ve got to figure out how to get them to do it.” REUTERS
