The Celtics Get Their Revenge
In a remarkable display of basketball prowess, Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics to a 123-98 victory over the Chicago Bulls on December 22, 2024. Tatum’s impressive stat line of 43 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists marked his first triple-double of the season, propelling him into an exclusive club alongside Larry Bird as the only Celtics player to achieve a 40-point triple-double.
In this dominant performance, Tatum efficiently shot 66.7% from the field, hitting 16 of 24 shots and draining 9 of 15 from beyond the arc. Tatum commented, ‘It’s all about finding your moments to accommodate the game,’ further noting that Coach Joe Mazzulla encourages him to enhance his teammates’ performances.
Supporting Performances
Besides Tatum’s outstanding contributions, Kristaps Porzingis added 22 points, while Jaylen Brown chipped in with 19 points. The Celtics made a crucial comeback after suffering a surprise defeat to the Bulls just days before, where they lost 117-108 at home.
The Bulls’ Struggles
The Bulls were led by Nikola Vucevic, who scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Zach LaVine, the high-scorer from the previous match-up, was limited to just 14 points in this contest.
League Highlights
The Celtics improved their season record to 22-6, maintaining their position within striking distance of the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers, who continued their dominance with a 126-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 26 points.
In other NBA action, the Los Angeles Lakers overcame the Sacramento Kings 103-99, primarily due to LeBron James’ outstanding performance of 32 points.
Conclusion
The Celtics’ latest win not only reflects their resilience but also highlights Tatum’s stature as a rising star in the league. Fans eagerly anticipate how this team will continue to perform as the season progresses, eyeing potential championship aspirations.
