Pritchard's 30 Powers Celtics Past Bulls 125-111 for Fourth Straight Win

Payton Pritchard scored 30 points to lead the Boston Celtics to a 125-111 win over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night in the NBA Cup opener for both teams. Pritchard was outstanding in the first half, scoring 20 points before the break, and Boston built a lead that stretched to 32 points with under two minutes left in the second quarter. Jayson Tatum added 26 points in 34 minutes, while Paul George contributed 18 points and eight assists for a Celtics side that has now won four games in a row. Chicago, who have now lost four straight, were led by Caleb Wilson's 23 points but struggled badly with their shooting, making just 38 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range. Boston also dominated inside, scoring 56 points in the paint, and the Bulls' 16 turnovers were converted into 21 Celtics points. Chicago did not cut into the deficit until the fourth quarter, by which time Boston's starters had already been withdrawn. The win continues Boston's strong recent form against the Bulls, having beaten Chicago by 35 points on Monday, and it gives the Celtics a perfect start to their NBA Cup campaign. Chicago, meanwhile, must quickly find a way to protect the ball and rediscover their shooting touch.