Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics Takeaways: Bulls fall, sweep ruined

Mar 12, 2017; Boston, MA, USA;Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) reaches for a loose ball during the second half of the Boston Celtics 100-80 win over the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Boston, MA, USA;Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) reaches for a loose ball during the second half of the Boston Celtics 100-80 win over the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 21, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the first quarter in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the first quarter in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

The Oh-So-Rare Bad Butler

Jimmy Butler has one of his worst games of the season. From the very start he struggled shooting the ball.

1-of-8 isn’t what you need from your best player. He would finish 7-of-21 for only 14 points. He had zero assists, which is murder for the Bulls with Rondo out. Grant and MCW aren’t going to magically turn into competent distributors. Butler needed to be more assertive in getting other Bulls shots tonight and he just wasn’t doing that.

Butler had a game-worst net rating of -27. Net rating isn’t always the best stat to go off of but it was indicative of tonight’s results.

Final Notes

After getting thrashed on the boards in the first two games the Celtics really brought an improved effort in that area tonight. Chicago outrebounded them 52-37 but Chicago wasn’t getting as many second chance opportunities.

The role players showed up for Boston tonight. Crowder, Bradley, and Horford combined for 49 points. The combined for only 35 in Game 2. When other Celtics besides Thomas start scoring the Bulls defense gets stretched out.

The Bulls have a day before their next game against Boston on Sunday afternoon. They need to figure out a way to get their offense running smoothly while limiting Thomas. Bulls lead the series, 2-1.