NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking points from Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls

The Boston Celtics suffered their second straight loss, falling to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night.

Over the four quarters, the Bulls hardly ever lost their lead. This is a massive improvement from 11 weeks ago when the Bulls had just hit rock bottom. The Celtics had just handed the Bulls their worst loss in 53 seasons and this Saturday, Chicago avenged that miserable defeat.

On that note, we take a look at the key talking points from Chicago's victory.

#1 Career High For Zach LaVine

The Celtics seemed to have no answer to the Chicago Bulls' Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen who both hit their career highs in terms of points on Saturday night. While combining for a total of 77 points, LaVine (42) and Markkanen (35) also showed off their rebounding and three-point shooting skills.

At 59% shooting, this duo seems to be making up for all the time they had lost due to injuries. They have become the first Bulls duo to score 35 or more points in a game since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in 1996.

Although it is unlikely that they will put up such high scores each night, they are making sure this team gets back on track and finishes the season at a respectable place.

#2 Boston Celtic's Fourth-Worst Defensive Game

The starters for the Boston Celtics have a lot to prove after the sub-par performance they gave on Saturday night

The Celtics just didn't seem to have it in them on Saturday night to keep up with what the Chicago Bulls were throwing at them. While their offence did not look too bad, their defence was all over the place.

In the first quarter, led by Al Horford, the Celtics started the game with a 7-0 run and finished with a 33-28 lead. However, this didn't last very long as Chicago started the second quarter with a 10-0 burst and took a 64-51 lead at halftime.

Somewhere during the second quarter, the Celtics just gave up and their intensity on the defensive end of the court dropped alarmingly.

#3 Top-Notch Offence From the Bulls

The Chicago Bulls Mascot at a game versus the Boston Celtics

“The only way you can fight through it is to come together,” Markkanen said.

It's evident that this is what the Chicago Bulls have been trying to do. The last time they faced the Celtics was one week into the Boylen era and they have come a long way from there.

With new tactics, schemes, and an improved team spirit on show Saturday night, this team might slowly be evolving into a force to be reckoned with. The Bulls now have the league's no.2 offence over their last nine games and seem to be hitting their stride.

They were unstoppable at times against the Celtics, with contributions coming from all around. While LaVine and Markkanen rained in the buckets, Robin Lopez too contributed with 17 points while the likes of Ryan Arcidiacono and Wayne Selden Jr. also got in on the act.