Celtics slip-up as Derrick Rose tribute night sees Bulls end streak

The Celtics arrived in Chicago exhausted but buoyant. They came in riding two straight wins and four victories in their last five games – a remarkable run given the continued absence of Jayson Tatum and the radically different expectations that surrounded them at the start of the season. Taking advantage of the Eastern Conference’s uneven standard, they have begun to pile up wins and now sit second in the standings, refusing to rule anything out. No one should forget that they won the championship in 2024 and that, even after moving on from several key pieces of that title team (Al Horford, Jrue Holiday…), they still have a towering figure in Jaylen Brown and enough depth to weather almost anything. That group, of course, includes Hugo González – one of the very few Spaniards left in the world’s best league.

And he is performing at a truly spectacular level. The 19-year-old wing has carved out a place for himself in the NBA in a manner as unexpected as it is deserved, and he is now fully embedded in Joe Mazzulla’s plans. Since November 29 – when he did not play against the Timberwolves in Minnesota – González has featured in every single Celtics game, putting together a run of 25 consecutive appearances, steadily improving his numbers and logging more minutes with each passing night. He has made himself indispensable through the intangibles, and everything points to him earning a spot in the Rising Stars Challenge. The Celtics, coming off a back-to-back, arrived after beating Jordi Fernández’s Nets in a double-overtime thriller – the second extra period forced by González at the buzzer, in spectacular fashion.

Waiting for them was a franchise that may be the most stagnant project of recent years, for better and for worse: the Chicago Bulls. The storied team that once ruled the NBA with Michael Jordan has never returned to those heights, and the inertia that has defined the organization in recent seasons has become almost exasperating. Over the past three years, under the perpetually questioned Billy Donovan, the Bulls have been regulars in the play-in but never true playoff participants, last reaching the postseason in 2021. In that span they have posted 40, 39 and 39 wins – always below .500 – married to a consistency that is impressive in its own way, though decidedly negative. They alternate losses and wins with near symmetry, are not a real threat to the top teams and are usually better than those below them. Still, they were the opponent the Celtics had to beat, even with the accumulated fatigue and a clear intention to keep winning.

In the end, on a night that doubled as a tribute to Derrick Rose – whose jersey was retired as the last great Chicago hero – the Bulls edged the Celtics 113–110. Eight home players reached double figures in scoring, led by Coby White’s 22 points (5 of 9 from three). Boston tried to push through but ultimately gave way to fatigue and logic: you cannot always have everything, and no matter how hard they push, they are human and in need of a breather.

Even so, they did everything possible to win, even in defeat. Once again, Jaylen Brown acted as the captain-general: 33 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists on 14 of 28 shooting. A herculean effort in a game packed with swings – 21 lead changes and 10 ties – but one in which the Bulls emerged victorious. The Celtics, meanwhile, were reminded that you cannot win every night. For whatever reason.

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