Boston went to Chicago last night and came home with a 106-92 win over the Bulls. The Celtics (59-15) reduced their magic number to three (I was a little ahead of myself the other day) while the Pistons sat Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace last night vs. the Timberwolves, virtually waving the white flag that they've given up hope on getting the top seed in the East.
Boston on the other hand seems happy to keep playing everybody, although once they lock up the top spot, they'll no doubt be sitting KG, Ray Allen, Pierce, Rondo and Perkins more than usual.
A very dissapointing season is almost over for Chicago (29-45) who came into the season expecting to make some noise in the Eastern Conference. They fired head coach Scott Skiles on Christmas no less but nothing has really changed. This group has no chemistry and it should probably be blown up since it doesn't look like they'll go anywhere with the same cast next year.
The C's swept the season series from the Bulls, 4-0. Ray Allen led Boston with 22 points and six assists. Kevin Garnett posted 20 points, seven rebounds and four blocks while Paul Pierce scored 17. Rajon Rondo had nine points, 10 assists, five rebounds but an unsightly seven turnovers. Kendrick Perkins had nine rebounds and James Posey had 11 points and seven boards.
Tyrus Thomas led the Bulls with a game-high 24 points and seven rebounds while Andres Nocioni had 19 points and Luol Deng added 10.
Boston led 22-17 and 50-43 at the half. Chicago barely took the third quarter, 30-29 but the Celtics put it away with a 27-19 fourth.
For the game, Boston shot 49.3% to Chicago's 41.7%. The Celts made six more threes (14-8) and had 12 more rebounds (45-33).
It's a quick turnaround as they flew home last night and meet the Pacers tonight at the Garden. Indiana is still mathematically alive for the No. 8 spot but more than likely, the Hawks will face the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.
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