The Chicago Bulls hosted the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of this first round playoff series. After winning the first two games in Boston, the Bulls wanted to seal the deal and take a comanding 3-0 series lead. Top-seeded Celtics team saw their chance of getting back in this series when it was announced earlier on Friday that Rajon Rondo will be out indefinitely with a broken right thumb. Rondo, a former Celtic, played a pivotal role in Chicago's wins on the road in Games 1 and 2 and his absence was felt on the court on Friday night.
Wire to wire victory for Boston
The Celtics took an early lead on Friday night and never looked back. They led the entire game after the first two minutes of the first quarter. It was 33-15 for Boston after the first 12 minutes of playing time. Boston made seven of 11 three pointers in the quarter and shot 57 percent overall while the Bulls helped them with five turnovers. Midway through the second quarter Chicago cut that lead down to 9 points (37-28) and at halftime it was 44-41 for the away team. Boston answered with a 20-7 surge early in the third quarter and the Bulls never got closer than 10 behind after that. Going into the final period of the game the Celtics held a 76-63 lead. They led by as many as 20 points in that fourth quarter (97-77) and the final score was 104-87 for Brad Stevens' squad.
Boston held Chicago to just 39.3% shooting from the field and finished the game with 34 team assists. Chicago had 18 turnovers on Friday night and shot 6-21 from the three-point line.
Balanced scoring for the Celtics
Five players scored at least 10 points for Boston in Game 3. Al Horford led all scorers with 18 points and added eight rebounds and six assists.
Jae Crowder had 16 points and six rebounds while isaiah thomas scored 16 points and dished nine assists. Boston got 31 points from their bench in this game.
Dwyane Wade led the Bulls in scoring with 18 points and three assists. Afer scoring 30 in Game 1 and 22 points in Game 2, Jimmy Butler was held to 14 points on 7-21 shooting in Game 3.
He added seven rebounds as well. Robin Lopez contributed with 12 points and six rebounds.
Rondo's absence completely changed the complexion of this series that appeared to be in the Bulls' control. The Bulls looked rudderless without the veteran point guard on the floor and had more turnovers than assists in this game.
It is now Boston that has the momentum in this series with Game 4 scheduled to play on Sunday in Chicago.
