The Chicago Bulls upset the Boston Celtics 114-111 in a tightly contested Eastern Conference battle at the United Center on January 25, 2026. A crucial defensive stop in the final seconds preserved the victory for the Bulls, handing the conference-leading Celtics a rare loss. Boston, boasting the NBA's best record, entered the game as heavy favorites, but Chicago matched their intensity from the opening tip. The game featured 18 lead changes and neither team led by more than seven points. The Bulls' All-Star guard had a brilliant all-around game, including a key steal and dunk in the final minute to give his team the lead. On the final possession, Boston's star forward drove to the basket, but Chicago's interior defense converged to force a heavily contested miss as the buzzer sounded. The upset victory was a massive confidence boost for the Bulls' playoff aspirations and a reminder of their potential when playing at their peak.