Pippen Ain't Easy
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Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics Game 5: The Bulls stampede was halted

Malik Fourte|
Apr 26, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) shoots the ball over Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the first half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) shoots the ball over Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the first half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

After closer evaluation on Rajon Rondo’s injury, the veteran point guard was forced to sit out Game 5. In his absence, the other guys yet again had to step up. Things were actually looking great. However, there was a fourth quarter collapse.

First Quarter

This was a pretty solid start from the Bulls and company. The defense managed to hold the Boston Celtics to 0-for-8 from behind the arc for the majority of the first quarter.

As for Dwyane Wade, he showed up to put seven points on the plate with four rebounds and two assists as the side dish of his three-course meal.

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You know we had to come prepared with some highlights. Check out this alley oop toss from Robin Lopez to Jimmy Butler:

The two seem to have the right mindset.

Buckle up, guys and gals: Michael Carter-Williams is your backup point guard for the night. Or at least for the moment in time.

In that quick time span of the second unit being on the floor, the Celtics managed to force a 17-6 run while making the last three of their four 3-point attempts.

After One: Celtics surged ahead 23-20

Second Quarter

An unfamiliar face graced the court to start the second quarter. Anthony Morrow made his way off the bench in hopes of delivering some needed scoring.

Wait, isn’t that what Denzel Valentine is for? Valentine is yet again being overshadowed and shut down for the undervalued role players.

After a steal and thunderous dunk from Celtics’ Terry Rozier, Fred Hoiberg called a quick timeout. Celtics still led 27-23.

Tensions ran high again as Morrow and Kelly Olynyk got face-to-face under the rim.

Good ol’ Ant was about that life.

A bit later, small guards Isaiah Canaan and Isaiah Thomas collided with one another after a tough Canaan layup and words were exchanged. Thomas was called for an offensive foul.

Check it out:

Need a different angle? We’ve got you covered.

By halftime the Celtics had already shot 25 times behind the 3-point line, and missed all of 19 of those. On the other hand, the Bulls shot a timid 4-for-9 from the arc.

However, the Bulls had 10 turnovers to the Celtics’ four.

Halftime: Celtics still winning, but Bulls kept it close at 52-50

Third Quarter

Pretty tight-knit quarter for the most part. The bench continued to do their thing as they had 22 points on some efficient scoring combined to end the quarter.

The guys hit five 3s in the quarter to keep the game close, including this Butler buzzer beater to cap it all off:

Look at that GAME FACE.

After Three: Bulls took over again 81-79

Fourth Quarter

The Bulls began to unravel as both Wade and Lopez collected a couple of technical fouls.

The last highlight of the night was obviously the Butler buzzer beater as the Bulls just couldn’t get it done again.

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The Rondo effect.

It’s been real, people. Let’s all gather around and pray that Rondo will for sure be back in Game 6.

The Bulls were outscored 29-16 in the fourth quarter after an entertaining close game in the first three quarters.

Despite the Celtics shooting an atrocious 9-for-40 behind the arc, the Bulls still lost by double digits.

Check out the box score here.

Final Score: Bulls drop another one 108-97 to fall down 2-3 in the series after a demoralizing third straight loss

Next Game

The Bulls return to the United Center on Friday for a crucial elimination Game 6.

Tune in at 7:00 p.m. CST for tip off.

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