Payton Pritchard scored a season-high 30 points off the bench on Friday night to lead the Boston Celtics to a 125-111 victory over the Chicago Bulls in their NBA Cup opener at TD Garden. Boston.com reported that the victory started the team’s group-stage slate strongly, though a late defensive slide allowed Chicago to narrow a once-gargantuan lead.
Pritchard Powers the First-Half Surge
Pritchard set the tone early by dropping 20 of his points before halftime. Sporting News noted that across two games against Chicago this week—including a 28-point performance in just 22 minutes during Boston’s 134-99 victory Monday—the guard accumulated 58 total points against the division rival. Against the Bulls on Friday, he finished 9-for-17 from the field, sank three 3-pointers, and converted all nine of his free-throw attempts.
Payton Pritchard breaking Powell's ankles! pic.twitter.com/0VnXixj7eb https://t.co/iJ0dzpi7gX
Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Pritchard’s multifaceted development. Mazzulla stated that a complete two-way performance represents the absolute best version of the player. Pritchard acknowledged that his early-season defensive activity needed sharpening, noting that Mazzulla specifically challenged him to elevate his presence on both ends of the floor. Pritchard told reporters after the game that his defensive activity and rebounding had been poor through the first four games.
It’s really difficult to be aware of the flares that are coming,
Splitter said, per the Boston Herald’s Zach Cox.
George and Tatum Add Balance to the Attack
Paul George turned in another stellar all-around outing with 18 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and three steals. An article reported that George’s integration into the Celtics’ offense has been remarkably seamless. All of George’s steals led to buckets. George’s connection with Tatum looks instant and incredible.
Jayson Tatum added 26 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, repeatedly punishing the Chicago defense with aggressive drives and half-spin maneuvers in the lane. Despite shooting 2-for-7 from beyond the arc, Tatum consistently located open teammates and set the offensive tempo. Early-season center rotations featured Mitchell Robinson starting, though Neemias Queta posted a team-best +16 plus-minus rating compared to Robinson’s -3 on the night.
Fourth-Quarter Fade Leaves Point Differential Open
The commanding 32-point lead constructed by Boston evaporated partially as the bench unit surrendered 25 points in the final four minutes of regulation. Chicago claimed the second half 62-47, shrinking the final margin to 14 points. Because point differential governs NBA Cup tiebreakers, players like Queta emphasized the necessity of competing through the final whistle.
Bulls coach Tiago Splitter: “Boston is one of the best teams in the league off the ball. It’s impressive how they play all those flare situations. It’s really difficult to be aware of the flares that are coming. … They have a bunch of shooters that can come off those off… pic.twitter.com/uiGcRu6xAk”
The Celtics carry a 1-0 record into the NBA Cup. TD Garden also welcomed former guard Delonte West, who received a standing ovation from the crowd during an appearance on the Jumbotron.
