What we learned from the Chicago Bulls second straight lopsided loss to the Boston Celtics

The Chicago Bulls failed to get a win against the mighty Boston Celtics on Thursday, falling 129-112. Here are two takeaways from the one-sided affair.

The Bulls’ aces need to do more

With Chicago missing so many key guys, the Bulls need to get more out of their remaining stars. Unfortunately, the Celtics did their homework and kept Chicago’s perimeter aces, Coby White and DeMar DeRozan, in check.

White finished with 20 points and four assists, while Deebo had 19 points and five dimes. However, the two players misfired all game long, going a combined 13-of-34.

In contrast, Boston was as good as advertised, making 23 three-pointers, with Jayson Tatum and Derrick White sinking five triples each.

"That's what they do. They're a really good shooting team. Their whole starting five can really shoot it," Vucevic said.

Derrick White with 12 points, 3 blocks and a steal in the 1st quarter! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/R26DGfDEnt
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) February 23, 2024

Vucevic lost steam

Things looked bleak for the Bulls early on as they trailed 31-15, with three minutes to go in the first. However, Nikola Vucevic got into a groove and scored 20 points in the first half—the first time he’s done that in his 13-year NBA career.

However, Boston adjusted their defense in the second half and put the clamps on the 6-foot-10 big man. Vooch didn’t score again until midway through the fourth and Boston already ahead, 116-99.

"In the second quarter, when I really got going, we were playing at a quicker pace and I was able to get a lot of my shots in the pocket, out of transition and screen-and-roll when their defense wasn't set," Vucevic said.

"In the third quarter, with them making so many shots and us having to get the ball out of the paint, the game kind of slowed down. They got into us and took away stuff in the pocket. I have to look at it to see if I could've been more aggressive. But that's what it felt like."

First quarter in the books.

Nikola Vucevic: 8 pts, 4 reb (4-7 FG) pic.twitter.com/i725yBpuxI
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 23, 2024

The Bulls’ aces need to do more

Vucevic lost steam

Boston Celtics' third-quarter scoring binge made the difference in the Chicago Bulls' latest loss