The Chicago Bulls didn't play well in the first quarter, but they lead 44-35 going into halftime against the Boston Celtics following a dominant defensive performance in the second quarter. After trailing 24-18 following the first period, Tom Thibodeau's team locked down on defense and limited the Celtics to just 11 points in the next 12 minutes.
Chicago trailed for most the second quarter, but the offense finally caught fire late in the period. Trailing 30-22 with roughly seven minutes to go in the half, the Bulls would break out with a 22-5 run to end the quarter by doubling their point total. Boston made just three field goals in the second quarter, as neither team is shooting above 40 percent going into the second half.
Joakim Noah leads the Bulls with 12 points and six rebounds. Carlos Boozer has also been impressive, compiling 11 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Luol Deng has 10 points and five assists himself. The Bulls' All-Star small forward is 3-of-3 from beyond the three-point line tonight. Rajon Rondo leads the Celtics with 10 points on 5-of-10 shooting, while Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce have scored eight points apiece.
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