Boston Celtics Defeat Chicago Bulls 132-119: Tatum and White Lead Dominant Win on January 5, 2026

Boston Celtics Cruise Past Chicago Bulls 132-119 Behind Tatum's 38 and White's 30The Boston Celtics continued their strong 2025-26 campaign with a comfortable 132-119 win over the Chicago Bulls on January 5, 2026, at TD Garden. Led by Jayson Tatum's 38 points and Derrick White's season-high 30, the defending champions showcased their offensive firepower, shooting 52% from the field and 18-of-42 from three-point range.Boston improved to 28-7, maintaining their grip on the top spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Bulls fell to 17-19, struggling to find consistency in a crowded mid-table race.Game Recap: Celtics Pull Away in Second HalfThe contest was competitive early, with Chicago keeping pace through aggressive drives and transition scoring. The Bulls led by as many as seven in the first quarter behind strong play from Zach LaVine and Coby White, but Boston's depth and shooting took over.By halftime, the Celtics held a slim 65-61 lead, but the third quarter proved decisive. A 15-4 run fueled by Tatum's mid-range mastery and White's hot hand from beyond the arc extended the advantage to double digits. Boston entered the fourth up 102-88 and never looked back, emptying the bench in the final minutes.Key performances for Boston:Jayson Tatum: 38 points (14-24 FG, 5-10 3PT), 10 rebounds, 6 assists – dominant in all facets. Derrick White: 30 points (11-18 FG, 6-11 3PT), 5 assists – explosive scoring outburst. Jaylen Brown: 18 points, 7 rebounds. Kristaps Porziņģis: 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks. For the Bulls:Zach LaVine: 28 points, 6 assists. Coby White: 24 points. Nikola Vučević: 16 points, 12 rebounds. Boston's bench outscored Chicago's reserves 42-28, highlighting the Celtics' superior depth.Standout Moments from Celtics vs Bulls January 2026Tatum's third-quarter takeover included a poster dunk on Vučević and back-to-back threes that silenced any comeback hopes. White, often the unsung hero, caught fire with six threes, earning loud "MVP" chants from the home crowd.The Bulls fought valiantly but couldn't match Boston's spacing and ball movement, committing 15 turnovers that led to 22 Celtics points.Post-Game ReactionsCeltics coach Joe Mazzulla praised the team's response after a tight first half: "We locked in defensively and let our offense flow from there. Derrick was incredible tonight."Tatum reflected on the win: "We're just trying to build good habits every night. This is the standard we hold ourselves to."Bulls coach Billy Donovan acknowledged the gap: "They're the champs for a reason. We competed, but their talent and execution in the second half were too much."Implications for Both Teams in the 2025-26 SeasonFor Boston, the victory reinforces their status as clear favorites. With Tatum and White clicking alongside Brown and Porziņģis, the Celtics look primed for another deep playoff run. Their 28-7 record leads the league, and they continue to separate from Eastern rivals like the Knicks and Bucks.Chicago remains in play-in territory but faces questions about roster fit and defensive consistency. LaVine trade rumors persist, and the Bulls will need improved cohesion to climb the standings.Next GamesCeltics: Host the Houston Rockets on January 7. Bulls: Visit the Philadelphia 76ers on January 8. This matchup served as a reminder of Boston's championship pedigree—when their stars shine, few teams can keep up.