Celtics back in series after win in Chicago

CHICAGO — The Celtics are back in their opening round playoff series after a 104-87 win over the Chicago Bulls in Game 3.

Five players finished in double figures as Boston aggressively attacked the paint and complemented that strategy with pinpoint shooting from three-point range, finishing with 17 threes.

After a blistering start that saw the Celtics build a 27-10 lead in the first quarter, the Bulls rallied to make it a 44-41 game at halftime.

A 20-9 burst in the third quarter propelled Boston to a 14-point lead, and while the Bulls showed signs of life, the game was never again in question.

Al Horford led the way with 18 points, followed by Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder, who each had 16. Avery Bradley scored 15 while second-year guard Terry Rozier scored a playoff career-high 11.

Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday at 6:30 in Chicago.

Cox Media Group