Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls Recap 2026: Bench Stars Shine in 115-101 Victory

The Boston Celtics returned to TD Garden on January 5, 2026, facing a classic "trap game" scenario. Fresh off an emotional high where Jaylen Brown dropped 50 points against the Clippers, and burdened by a cross country flight, the Celtics appeared to be running on heavy legs. However, despite a cold shooting night from their primary stars, Boston relied on its elite depth and a dominant rebounding performance to secure a 115-101 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

The Anfernee Simons and Payton Pritchard Show

With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury and Jaylen Brown struggling with a 6 of 4 shooting slump, the Celtics needed scoring from unexpected places. Enter Anfernee Simons. The guard delivered a spectacular second half performance, finishing with 27 points and a season high eight three pointers. His ability to create space and knock down contested jumpers acted as the primary engine for the Celtics' offense when the starters' shots wouldn't fall.

Complementing Simons was the ever reliable Payton Pritchard. Pritchard contributed 21 points, including a signature fadeaway three pointer at the buzzer to end the first half. The bench duo outscored the Bulls' reserves significantly, providing the "scoring punch" that has become a hallmark of this 2026 Celtics roster.

Dominating the Glass: The Neemias Queta Factor

While the backcourt provided the fireworks, the game was ultimately won in the trenches. The Celtics put on a masterclass in physicality, recording a staggering 20 offensive rebounds compared to Chicago’s six. This led to a 26-12 advantage in second chance points, allowing Boston to maintain a lead despite shooting only 40% from the field.

Neemias Queta was the standout interior force, racking up 13 points and 13 rebounds. His energy in the paint neutralized the veteran presence of Nikola Vucevic for most of the night. By forcing extra possessions, the Celtics were able to attempt 104 field goals a season high effectively overwhelming the Bulls through sheer volume of opportunities.

Bulls Struggle Early but Find Rhythm Late

The Chicago Bulls suffered through one of their worst offensive halves of the season to start the game. Missing their leading scorer, Josh Giddey, the Bulls were held to just 14 points in the first quarter and 33 points by halftime. They missed 20 of their first 23 attempts from three-point range, a drought that saw them trail by as many as 21 points.

However, the Bulls showed resilience in the second half, led by rookie Matas Buzelis. Buzelis finished with a team high 26 points on 9 of 12 shooting, showing flashes of why he is considered the cornerstone of Chicago's future. The Bulls eventually found their rhythm, scoring 68 points in the second half and cutting the deficit to just 10 points late in the fourth quarter after a Nikola Vucevic triple. But every time Chicago threatened a true comeback, Simons or Pritchard would respond with a dagger from deep.

Standings Impact: Celtics Move to Second Seed

The win marks Boston’s fourth straight victory and their eighth win in the last nine games. More importantly, this result combined with a New York Knicks loss officially moves the Boston Celtics into the second seed in the Eastern Conference. For a team many experts labeled as being in a "gap year" following roster shifts, the Celtics are currently on pace for a 70 win season if they maintain their January momentum.

The Chicago Bulls, meanwhile, fall to 17-19. While the loss is disappointing, the development of Buzelis and the double-double performance from Vucevic (15 points, 15 rebounds) provide small moral victories for a team currently navigating a transition period.

A Heavyweight Matchup

The Celtics won’t have long to celebrate this win. They continue their four game homestand on Wednesday when they host the Denver Nuggets. With Denver also coming off an improbable short handed victory, the clash at TD Garden is expected to be a preview of a potential NBA Finals matchup. For the Bulls, the road continues as they travel to Detroit to face the Pistons.