The Boston Celtics went into game 6 in Chicago hoping to close out the series. The Bulls went in fighting to stay alive.
The Celtics’ game 5 shooting woes didn’t carry over into the early goings of this game; Boston connected on each of their first three attempts from beyond the arc.
The Celtics raced out to a 21-11 lead in the first quarter, prompting a timeout from Fred Hoiberg. They led 30-23 at the end of the quarter. Jimmy Butler led all scorers with 10 points, while Avery Bradley led Boston with nine of his own.
The biggest highlight of the first quarter came on a monster two-handed slam by Gerald Green:
Gerald Green cuts inside and slams one down with 2 hands!#Celtics pic.twitter.com/uuEr4LjNSD
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 29, 2017
Butler went down hard on his hip, but checked back into the game after having trainers check on it:
Jimmy Butler appeared to suffer an injury in the 1st quarter but it seems like he's good to play…#BullsNation pic.twitter.com/dZH5TdmmVF
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 29, 2017
The Celtics started the second quarter off strong as well, fueled by quick three-pointers from Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier. Boston jumped out to a 17-point lead with under eight minutes remaining in the half.
The Bulls recovered well with an 8-0 run; they trailed 42-33. The Celtics held them at arms’ length for the rest of the quarter and led 54-41 at the half. Butler led the Bulls with 17 points and five rebounds. Avery Bradley and Gerald Green led Boston with 10 points each. Isaiah Thomas scored seven points, struggling from the field (2-8 shooting). The Celtics connected on half of their 18 three-point attempts in the first half, while the Bulls made just two of their 10. Dwyane Wade struggled in the half, scoring two points on 1-7 shooting.
The Celtics opened the second half on a 10-2 run to take a 21-point lead. Jimmy Butler continued to play well but received very little help, and Boston jumped out to a 29-point lead; they led 88-59 at the end of the third quarter. The game was over, and both teams knew it; starters rested for a majority of the fourth quarter. Bulls fans are perhaps growing a bit impatient with coach Fred Hoiberg:
Now "Fire Hoiberg" chants are beginning. #Bulls #Celtics
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) April 29, 2017
The Celtics wound up winning 105-83, led by Avery Bradley’s 23 points on 9-12 shooting. Al Horford contributed 12 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
For the Bulls, it was all Butler. He scored 23 points and pulled down seven rebounds. Wade finished with just two points in 19 minutes, shooting 1-10 from the field.
The Celtics advance and will play the Washington Wizards in the next round. Game 1 will take place on Monday.
