Bulls Fall to Celtics Again as Rookie Wilson Demands More Effort

The Chicago Bulls’ hoped-for response to an earlier blowout never came. Boston beat them 125-111 in NBA Cup pool play at TD Garden on October 30, following a 134-99 Celtics win five days earlier. Chicago had looked more competitive against the defending champion New York Knicks in between the two Boston games.

Boston seized control immediately, scoring 44 points in the first quarter and building a 19-point lead. The Celtics shot 67% in the period, compared with Chicago’s 32%, and their reserves scored 22 points while the Bulls’ bench managed four. Boston finished with 58 points in the paint and attempted 40 free throws, making 31.

Rookie Caleb Wilson, who scored 23 points with six three-pointers, five rebounds and four assists, said the team needed to play harder. He also accepted responsibility for Chicago’s opening, saying he wanted to lead the young squad and would not accept a losing mentality.

Veteran Buddy Hield urged teammates to show pride and passion during a timeout, Wilson said. Guard Isaac Okoro said the Bulls were becoming more physical and applying pressure as games progressed, but acknowledged their defense still had a long way to go.

The loss left Chicago with a 1-5 record, while Boston improved to 4-1. The Bulls’ next stretch includes Philadelphia, New York and San Antonio among their next four games. Their defensive struggles include allowing an average of 52.3 points in the paint, the fifth-highest figure in the league.