The Boston Celtics breezed past the Chicago Bulls on Monday night at TD Garden, 134-99.
Jayson Tatum got the party started with 19 points in the first half, including the C’s last seven points of the second quarter. He finished off the half with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer.
When the second half got underway, it became the Payton Pritchard Show. The Celtics guard erupted for 19 points (5-5 3-PT) in the frame — the most he has scored in any quarter in his career.
From there, Boston sleptwalked to a blowout victory. Tatum finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Pritchard tallied a game-high 28 points off the bench on 10-of-16 shooting (7-10 3-PT).
Paul George chipped in 16 points for the C’s (5-14 FG). Sam Hauser added 11 off the bench, including three 3-pointers.
Mike Conley entered the game during the fourth quarter for his first stint as a Celtic. The 39-year-old veteran knocked down both of his 3-point attempts and added two steals.
Celtics rookie Chris Cenac Jr. made his NBA debut late in the fourth, drilling a 3 on his first attempt.
On the Bulls’ side, Norman Powell led the way with 20 points. No. 4 overall pick Caleb Wilson notched 17 points.
Boston will play the second night of its back-to-back Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden.