Jaylen Brown shines, but tired legs and missed rotations prove costly
The Celtics (28-17) walked into Chicago (23-22) late Saturday night already running on fumes, and they left with a loss that felt heavier than the box score suggests.
Boston lost 114-111 to the Bulls on Kevin Huerter’s three with 0.2 seconds left, finishing a frustrating back-to-back after Friday’s double-overtime thriller in Brooklyn. Boston had chances - Jaylen Brown tied it with a late layup - but one defensive lapse on the last play let Chicago steal it.
The loss sends Boston into a four-game homestand searching for answers, especially defensively, after giving up another late shot in a season full of them.
Here are four takeaways from Saturday night in Chicago:
1. Bulls’ Shooting Exposes Tired Legs:
This game provided the clearest sign yet of a team running out of gas, following the demanding previous night.
After heavy minutes the night before, Boston struggled with Chicago’s pace and quick perimeter ball movement. The Bulls hit 21 threes on 45 tries (46.7%), exposing Boston’s defenders who failed to rotate in time or close out on shooters, often leaving shooters open beyond the arc.
Eight Bulls scored in double figures, several getting clean looks as Boston’s defense lagged.
The final play said it all:
A misread pick-and-roll let Huerter pop free to end the game.
Jan 24, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Kevin Huerter (13) celebrates after scoring a three-pointer against the Boston Celtics during the second half at United Center. (Kamil Krzaczynski/Imagn Images)2. Jaylen Powers Through To Carry Offense:
If there was any doubt about Brown’s hamstring after Friday’s game, he answered it early.
Brown scored 20 in the first half, attacking smaller defenders with strength and confidence. He totaled a game-high 33 points, keeping Boston close while others looked spent.
With Jayson Tatum out and the offense stalling, Brown shouldered the load. His performance was MVP-caliber, but late support was inconsistent.
3. Amari Williams’ Surprise Start Fits Bigger Picture:
Joe Mazzulla’s call to start Amari Williams surprised some, but it fit the situation.
With Luka Garza and Neemias Queta both logging heavy minutes Friday, Williams started mainly for workload management. The rookie gave energy, a block, and steady minutes without hurting the Celtics on either end.
It wasn’t a breakout, but it showed Williams can contribute in limited spots - something that may matter as Boston manages center depth.
4. Simons Rebounds, But Watches Crunch Time:
Simons bounced back after a poor shooting night in Brooklyn, giving needed scoring off the bench.
He finished with 21 points and knocked down five triples, helping Boston keep pace during Chicago’s scoring flurries. Yet when the game tightened late, Mazzulla opted to close with Payton Pritchard instead.
It’s a decision that reflects trust in defense and ball security, but it also underscores the ongoing question of how Simons fits when games slow down.
The Celtics return home to face Portland (23-23), shifting from fatigue to fixing late-game execution. Moral victories and near stops with 0.2 seconds don’t count.
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Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.