Behind a 29-point, 15-assist performance from point guard Rajon Rondo, the Boston Celtics cruised past the visiting Chicago Bulls, 95-91, in an Eastern Conference contest at the TD Arena in Boston. Forward Kevin Garnett added 13 points in 12 rebounds for the Celtics (15-12), who even the season-series at a game apiece.
Trailing must as much as 14 points in the fourth quarter, the Bulls (23-7) battled back to pull withing three, 91-88, with under a minute to go. Chicago had a shot to tie the game with less than 30 seconds to go, but C.J. Watson missed a contested, fade-away jumper just inside the 3-point line.
Boston gained possession and cemented the victory with two free throws each from Rondo and Garnett.
The Bulls had their five-game winning streak snapped as they just couldn't over come the hot shooting of Boston, which finished the game making 49.3-percent of its shots.
Carlos Boozer tallied a team-best 22 points and seven rebounds for Chicago, which played without point guard Derrick Rose who is battling back issues. Rose is expected to see a specialist in Chicago on Monday. Watson also tallied 22, while Joakim Noah had 16 and nine rebounds.
Luckily, the Bulls begin a six-game home stand starting with the Sacramento Kings Tuesday. On Thursday, the Celtics come into town, while Saturday the New Jersey Nets visit.
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