Defensive Woes Continue as Bulls Deal Celtics First Loss

The Celtics came into Monday night ranked 25th in defensive rating, and that number became certain to slide once the Bulls scored 120 points in a rout over the Celtics, winning by 18 after trailing by 19 in the first quarter.

Boston started shooting red-hot, nailing seven three-pointers in the first 7:50, building a 32-15 lead. From that point on, it was all Bulls.

Chicago took advantage of a lethargic Boston effort defensively and went on a monster 40-11 run, never trailing again. DeMar DeRozan was the best player on the floor, notching 25 points or more for the third time in four games.

Tonight marked the season low output for Jayson Tatum, as he scored 26 points and did not shoot 50% on two-point shots for the first time this year. Elsewhere, the Celtics also got a season low 13 points combined by Al Horford, Derrick White and Grant Williams. With an already thin lineup, Boston needed their top rotation players to produce.

The night’s largest struggles came on the defensive end, that unit did not pull its weight and the Celtics allowed 68% of Chicago’s shots to be quality attempts, per Second Spectrum. The Celtics also got out-rebounded 60-45, a margin that marked the highest of their season.

The Celtics will look to clean things up with three nights of rest before returning to their home floor Friday against Cleveland.