Celtics Hand Bulls Second Straight Loss in Boston, Prompting Rookie's Call for Pride

The Chicago Bulls faced a tough reality check on Friday night as the Boston Celtics defeated them 125-111 at TD Garden. This marked the second time in five days that the Bulls lost to the Celtics, ending their winning streak against New York the previous Wednesday with a decisive defeat.

The game was not close from the start. Boston controlled the opening period, outscoring Chicago 44-25. The Celtics dominated the paint, leading 24-10 in that quarter, and shot 67% from the field compared to the Bulls' 32%. The home bench contributed 22 points while Chicago's second unit managed only four.

Despite a better effort against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, the Bulls struggled to find their rhythm again. The loss left the team with a 1-5 record, while Boston improved to 4-1. The defeat came in the first game of pool play for the NBA Cup, a tournament where the Bulls hoped to show improved competitiveness against a top-tier Eastern Conference team.

Rookie Caleb Wilson, who scored 23 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out four assists, spoke candidly about the team's performance. He stated that he has never been a loser in his life and intends to change that narrative. Wilson said, "This is my job to be a leader on this team and it's all going to start with me, I know that. It's partially my fault that we started off the way we did, whether I'm the youngest on the team or not. I take ownership for that and it won't happen again."

Wilson emphasized the team's youth as a long-term advantage, noting that they lack superstars like Jayson Tatum and Paul George. He argued that if the group does not play hard, they will lose every game. "We're all young, we shouldn't be letting anyone play harder than us, that's all what I was saying," Wilson added.

Veteran Buddy Hield also urged his teammates to show more pride during a timeout. Wilson agreed with Hield's assessment, stating that it is unacceptable for the Chicago Bulls to lay down early in games. "I mean we're the Chicago Bulls. I feel like it's unacceptable to be looking like we are and also be laying down that early in the game," Wilson said.

Isaac Okoro addressed the defensive struggles, saying the team is working to become more physical and pick up full court. He noted that while progress is visible, the defense is not yet where it needs to be. "My motto is always day-by-day," Okoro said. "I can see us starting to be more physical, picking up full court, getting into the ball more as the game goes on because everybody is preaching it just more and more. That doesn't mean it's where it needs to be at all."