Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics: 5 Takeaways from the Season Opener

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Oct 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) defended by Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Taj Gibson was outstanding against the Celtics

Nikola Mirotic (29 minutes) played one more minute than Taj Gibson on Thursday night, and although Mirotic had some moments as the game went on, Gibson was superb from the opening tip.

In 28 minutes of action, Gibson scored 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting, pulled down 10 rebounds and had a plus-minus of +11 (trailing only Dwyane Wade for the best +/- on the night).

The Bulls jumped out to a 15-5 start in the first 4+ minutes of the ballgame and a lot of that had to do with Gibson, who started the first game of the year shooting 3-of-4 from the field for six points. Mirotic checked in for Gibson with 3:25 left in the first quarter, and it was pretty clear that Gibson’s presence was missing at the power forward position for the Bulls.

Mirotic wasn’t awful on Thursday. He shot 6-of-11 from the floor for 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds during his time in the lineup. The issues came when Mirotic was assigned to new Celtic Al Horford on defense and missing five of his six 3-point attempts. If Mirotic is going to stay on the floor throughout the year, those shots have to fall (although his defense did improve as the game went on in more favorable matchups for him).

But, without Gibson, the Bulls certainly don’t start the season at 1-0. He was great.

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