Bulls Stampede the Celtics

The Boston Celtics were beaten at home again last night, losing to the Chicago Bulls, 96-83.  Luol Deng led five Bulls in double-figures with 25 points, including 8-13 from the field, and 9-10 at the free-throw line.  Derrick Rose won the highly anticipated point guard match up, scoring 17 points, and pulling down eight rebounds.

The absence of Kevin Garnett, and Rasheed Wallace really hurt the C’s, as they were out-rebounded 50-39.  The Celts appeared to be a step slower than the Bulls, losing by about ten throughout the whole game.  The Bulls (17-20) basically ran the Celtics out of their own gym, and showed why the C’s need to be 100% to achieve any greatness this season.

The Celts have the weekend off before they welcome the Dallas Mavericks to town on Monday night.  It’s another TNT game for the C’s, so tip-off is scheduled for 8.  Rasheed Wallace is expected to return to the lineup, and his presence will be needed.  The Mavs are sporting the second best record in the Western Conference at 25-13.  They lost by five last night (100-95) at home against the Lakers.  The Celtics will need to pay close attention to Dirk Nowitzki, who is averaging 25.1 ppg, and 8.2 rpg.