Nikola Vucevic helped the C's blow out the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.
The Boston Celtics ended the first half of the NBA season with a big win on Wednesday night, beating the Chicago Bulls 124-105 at TD Garden.
The C's, who traded Jrue Holliday and Kristaps Porzingis in the offseason, and who have played the entire season without Jayson Tatum, are 35-19 and in second place in the Eastern Conference.
Chicago is 24-31 and battling for a spot in the 7-10 play-in round.
Payton Pritchard led the way with 26 points off the bench while Jaylen Brown had 24 on 9-of-20 shooting. Nikola Vucevic, recently acquired from the Bulls, had 19 points and 11 rebounds. He also went 4-of-5 from three-point range.
As noted by StatMuse, LeBron James is the only active player with more double-doubles that Vucevic. That's pretty good company.
About Vucevic
Now 35 years old, Vucevic is a 15-year veteran of the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Bulls and Celtics. He's averaged 17.2 ppg and 10.4 ppg over the entirety of his career. A solid shooter and an excellent passer, he'll help give the Celtics a dynamic post presence. Even if he doesn't necessary post up in the paint, he'll be able to pass to cutters and open up the floor. He can also run an effective pick-and-pop game, which the Celtics have had success with with Al Horford and Porzingis.
Also for the C's
Sam Hauser had 12 points on four three-pointers on Wednesday and Neemias Queta added eight points and six rebounds. Derrick White had just nine points but Jordan Walsh chipped in with 16 off the bench.
Boston hit 18 three-pointers while Chicago hit 12.
On to the All-Star break
The Celtics will be off until Feb. 19 when they come out of the break to take on the Golden State Warriors. Boston will have several components in All-Star weekend as Ron Harper Jr. will play in the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday night, and then he will play in the Skills Challenge on Saturday with his father and brother.
On Sunday, Jaylen Brown will play in the All-Star Game. He was named a starter for the first time and there's a new USA vs. World format this year.
NBA Standings
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
1) Pistons
2) Celtics
3) Knicks
4) Cavliers
5) Raptors
6) 76ers
7) Magic
8) Heat
9) Hornets
10) Hawks
WESTERN CONFERENCE
1) Thunder
2) Spurs
3) Nuggets
4) Rockets
5) Timberwolves
6) Lakers
7) Suns
8) Warriors
9) Clippers
10) Trail Blazers
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