Celtics Enter All-Star Break on a High Note After Dominant Win Over Bulls
The Boston Celtics are heading into the All-Star break with momentum, confidence, and a clear message to the rest of the NBA: they’re not just surviving without Jayson Tatum - they’re thriving.
Boston closed out the first half of the season with a 124-105 dismantling of the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden, improving to 35-19 on the year and solidifying their position as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. The win was a showcase of depth, chemistry, and a growing comfort level from one of their newest additions.
Vucevic Finds His Groove - Against His Former Team
All eyes were on Nikola Vučević in his first matchup against the Bulls since being traded to Boston, and he didn’t disappoint. The veteran big man looked right at home in green, anchoring the paint, moving the ball with purpose, and showing off the kind of offensive polish that made him such a valuable midseason pickup.
Vučević’s performance wasn’t just efficient - it was poised. He played within the flow of the offense, didn’t force shots, and seemed to anticipate where his teammates would be.
It’s clear the Celtics are making him feel comfortable, and it’s paying off. This wasn’t a revenge game in the typical sense - it was a reminder of what Vučević can bring to a contender when he’s in rhythm.
Payton Pritchard Steps Up in a Big Way
With Tatum still sidelined, Boston needed someone to step up and provide a scoring punch. Enter Payton Pritchard, who poured in 26 points off the bench and looked every bit the spark plug this team has come to rely on in key moments.
Pritchard’s ability to change the pace, hit timely shots, and defend with energy gave Boston a noticeable edge. He’s thriving in his role - not trying to do too much, just doing exactly what the Celtics need. His confidence is sky-high, and it’s showing in the box score and on the floor.
Jordan Walsh Brings the Edge
Rookie Jordan Walsh continues to flash the kind of upside that has Celtics fans excited about the future. Against the Bulls, he brought intensity, defensive versatility, and a little bit of attitude - especially when matched up with Anfernee Simons, who came over from Boston in the Vučević deal.
Walsh didn’t just play hard - he played smart. He stayed within the team’s defensive schemes, communicated well, and made life difficult for Chicago’s wings. It’s the kind of growth you want to see from a young player heading into the stretch run.
Joe Mazzulla’s Steady Hand
Head coach Joe Mazzulla deserves credit for keeping this group steady through injuries, lineup changes, and trade deadline adjustments. He’s found ways to integrate new pieces like Vučević without disrupting the core identity of the team, and he’s empowered role players like Pritchard and Walsh to play with confidence.
Mazzulla’s rotations have been sharp, his defensive schemes have held up, and the team’s offensive flow - even without Tatum - has remained fluid. That’s a sign of a locker room that’s bought in and a coach who knows how to keep it all connected.
Celtics Are Peaking at the Right Time
Boston enters the All-Star break riding a wave of positive momentum. They’ve won key games, integrated new talent, and shown they can compete even without their franchise cornerstone. And when Tatum does return - which the team remains optimistic will happen soon - they’ll be even more dangerous.
The Celtics are deep, balanced, and playing with purpose. Vučević is settling in, Brown is leading with confidence, and the supporting cast is stepping up. This isn't just a team hoping to stay afloat until April - it's a team that looks ready to make a serious run.
If this first half of the season was about finding their identity, the second half might be about unleashing it.