Vucevic scores 29, Bulls snap Celtics’ 6-game streak, 102-96

<p>BOSTON &mdash; Nikola Vucevic had 29 points and nine rebounds, and the Chicago Bulls held off the Boston Celtics 102-96 on Monday night. </p>
<p>Coby White added 19 points and seven assists to help the Bulls snap Boston’s season-high six-game winning streak. Chicago has won its last two since a five-game skid. </p>
<p>Boston led by 12 in second quarter but struggled to execute down the stretch and finished with 17 turnovers. </p>
<p>Jaylen Brown had 23 points. Jayson Tatum posted the first triple-double of his career with 14 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. </p>
<p>The Celtics played without Kemba Walker (non-COVID-19-related illness), Evan Fournier (health and safety protocols) and Robert Williams (sore left knee). </p>
<p>The Bulls missed their first five shots of the game and fell into an early hole. </p>
<p>They got back in the game in the third quarter, closing the period a 24-10 run and taking a 74-66 lead to the fourth.</p>
<p>Boston didn’t go away, and Brown tied the game at 90 with a 3-pointer with 3:25 remaining. </p>
<p>But Chicago then pushed back in front 96-90, taking advantage of a pair of Celtics’ empty possessions. </p>
<p>Tremont Waters got Boston within 96-94 on a layup with 16.5 seconds left. </p>
<p>The Celtics fouled and White pushed the lead back up to 98-94 with a pair of free throws. </p>
<p>Two free throws by Tatum but it to 98-96. But after White was fouled again, he calmly sank two more free throws. </p>
<p>Boston shot 20-of-39 from the field in the opening 24 minutes and led 48-42 lead at halftime. </p>
<p>Vucevic scored 17 in the first half to keep the Bulls within striking distance.</p>
<p>TIP-INS</p>
<p>Bulls: Daniel Theis, who was dealt by Boston at the trade deadline, finished with six points, six rebounds and four assists in his first matchup against his former team. … Chicago scored 16 points of Boston turnovers. </p>
<p>Celtics: Celtics hit their first four shots, taking a 9-0 lead. … Brown scored 13 of Boston’s first 21 points. … Stevens said WIlliams, who also sat out Saturday, could be available for their matchup with Phoenix on Thursday. Fournier is expected to have a final test before being removed from health and safety protocols list sometime this week. </p>
<p>UP NEXT</p>
<p>Bulls: At Cleveland Wednesday. </p>
<p>Celtics: Host Suns Thursday. </p>
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