The Boston Celtics defeated the Chicago Bulls 124–105 on February 11, 2026, at TD Garden in a matchup that carried extra narrative weigh.

Celtics Dominate Bulls 124–105 as Vučević and Simons Face Former Clubs

The Boston Celtics defeated the Chicago Bulls 124–105 on February 11, 2026, at TD Garden in a matchup that carried extra narrative weight — both Nikola Vucevic and Anfernee Simons played against the teams that traded them just days earlier. In front of a New England crowd hungry for Celtics basketball, Boston built an early lead and never looked back, extending its winning ways while the Bulls continued to struggle through roster changes and injuries.

Early Surge Sets the Tone in Bulls vs. Celtics Game

From the opening tip, the Celtics asserted their dominance. Boston raced out to a sizable lead and led 72–44 at halftime, fueled by efficient shooting, strong ball movement, and depth scoring from both starters and bench players. The Celtics shot over 51% from the field and knocked down 18 of 45 three-point attempts, leaving Chicago in a hole the entire night.

Payton Pritchard led all scorers with 26 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, displaying the kind of leadership and offensive rhythm the Celtics have relied on throughout the season. Jaylen Brown added 24 points, continuing his strong run and helping Boston maintain its position near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

Vucevic’s First Bout Against His Former Team

For the first time since being traded by Chicago to Boston in exchange for Anfernee Simons, Nikola Vucevic squared off against his former club. In his debut revenge game, Vučević put up a solid showing, posting 19 points and 11 rebounds along with multiple blocks and defensive contributions, proving to be a valuable addition to the Celtics’ frontcourt.

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Though the matchup carried emotional significance, Vučević’s performance was more effective than the final score might suggest. The veteran big man found ways to impact both ends of the floor against a team that once leaned heavily on his scoring and rebounding.

Simons Struggles Against Former Team

In contrast, Anfernee Simons — who was traded to Chicago in the Vucevic deal — faced the Celtics for the first time in Bulls uniform. Despite averaging strong scoring numbers in his first games with Chicago, Simons had an off night, finishing with seven points. It marked his lowest scoring performance in several starts, a stark contrast to the expectations many had for the guard after the trade.

Simons’ struggles highlight the adjustment period that sometimes accompanies a mid-season trade, especially one involving two players switching places like he and Vučević did. While Simons has averaged close to 20 points and five assists in his early Bulls games, he was unable to find his rhythm in Boston tonight.

Supporting Bulls Performances

Chicago received contributions from several young talents. Rob Dillingham led the Bulls scorers with 16 points and seven assists, providing flashes of potential in a difficult road environment. Matas Buzelis added 15 points and eight rebounds, showing his continued growth as a key piece for the Bulls’ future. Collin Sexton and Guerschon Yabusele also finished in double figures.

However, the Bulls’ overall shooting and defensive execution lagged, and Boston’s depth allowed the Celtics to roll through Chicago with decisive efficiency.

What This Loss Means for Chicago

The 124–105 loss to Boston marked the Bulls’ sixth straight defeat, extending a troubling stretch amid a busy trade season and mounting injuries. Chicago’s roster reshuffle — highlighted by the Vučević-Simons trade — has yet to translate into consistent results, and a return from the All-Star break may be just what the struggling Bulls need.

For the Celtics, the win reinforced their championship aspirations and the impact of mid-season reinforcements, especially with Vučević’s smooth transition into Boston’s rotation.