Celtics defeat Bulls, secure quarterfinals spot in NBA In-Season Tournament

11/29/23 by Nick Antonakas

The Boston Celtics dominated the Chicago Bulls 124-97, booking their ticket to the NBA In-Season Tournament quarterfinals. 

The In-Season Tournament has ended up being quite the success for the NBA. A cash prize of $500,000 per player of the winning team has proven to be a successful motivation factor. 

Jaylen Brown, who is currently playing under the richest contract in NBA history, still finds motivation in winning the tourney’s prize money for his teammates who are not on supermax contracts. Brown notched 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists in the blowout as well as playing a pivotal part in the team’s ball movement. 

Brown’s effective play accompanied by the return of Jrue Holiday to the lineup after missing two games with an ankle injury helped the C’s get the win. “Any time you add Jrue back into the lineup, it’s going to help your defense,” Derrick White said. 

The Celtics will face off against the Indiana Pacers in the quarterfinals of the In-Season Tournament on either Dec. 4 or 5. Before their trip to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Boston will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, Dec. 1. Tip off is at 7:30 p.m.