The Boston Celtics beat the Chicago Bulls 125-111 at TD Garden on Halloween night, using a balanced scoring effort and a decisive third-quarter run to remain unbeaten at home in the young 2026-27 NBA season. Jayson Tatum led all scorers with 31 points, while Jaylen Brown added 24 as Boston improved to 4-1.
Boston’s offense finds rhythm early
The Celtics set the tone with crisp ball movement and early three-point shooting, building a 34-27 lead after the first quarter. Boston repeatedly attacked Chicago’s closeouts, generating open looks from the corners and second-chance opportunities through offensive rebounding. Derrick White added 18 points and six assists, giving the Celtics a third reliable playmaker alongside Tatum and Brown.
Chicago stayed within striking distance behind Coby White’s shot-making and Josh Giddey’s transition play. White finished with 24 points, while Giddey posted 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Nikola Vucevic contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds, but the Bulls struggled to contain Boston’s wing depth over four quarters.
Key moments
- Boston closed the first half on a 12-3 run, capped by a Tatum step-back three, to take a 63-54 lead into halftime.
- The Celtics opened the third quarter with an 18-5 surge, pushing the margin to 22 and forcing Chicago into a timeout.
- Chicago cut the deficit to seven early in the fourth, but Brown answered with five straight points and White hit a transition three to restore control.
Standout performers
Tatum’s 31 points came with nine rebounds and five assists, and he controlled the game without forcing shots. Brown was aggressive in the open floor, while White’s two-way play helped limit Chicago’s backcourt rhythm. Payton Pritchard gave Boston 14 points off the bench, including four three-pointers. For Chicago, White and Giddey were the brightest spots, but the Bulls committed 16 turnovers that Boston converted into 21 points.
What the result means
The win keeps Boston near the top of the early Eastern Conference standings and reinforces the Celtics’ depth after a busy opening week. Chicago falls to 2-3 and will need cleaner late-game execution, particularly on the defensive glass. Boston’s 125-point night was its third game over 120 points this season, a sign that the offense is rounding into form. The Celtics next face a quick turnaround, while the Bulls return home looking to regroup after a difficult road test.