NBA PLAYOFFS -- Celtics take Game 5 for 3-2 series lead
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 27 Apr 2017
CHICAGO -- Leading 81-79 heading into the fourth quarter, the Chicago Bulls put themselves in great position for another huge win, one that would give them stem back-to-back losses at the United Center in Chicago.
But in the final 12 minutes of play, the wheels fell apart as the Boston Celtics went on a 29-16 run to seize Game 5 and take a comfortable 3-2 series lead on Wednesday night at the TD Garden.
The Bulls hope to extend the series to a seventh game when they host Game 6 in Chicago on Friday (Saturday AM in Manila), but the odds of advancing to the second round appear bleak. According to an ESPN stat, 82 percent of teams that win a Game 5 had go on to win the series.
Boston's backcourt inflicted the most damage as Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley Beal each dropped 24 points while combining for 11 rebounds and five assists. Al Horford played perhaps his finest game in the series, making 7-of-11 field goals for 21 points while snagging 9 boards.
The Bulls scored 61 points in the second and third quarters but their offense stalled in the fourth, where the Celtics uncorked a 20-5 run. Turnovers also doomed the Bulls, committing 16 that the Celtics converted into 23 points.
Rajon Rondo suited up for the pre-game shoot-around but with a fractured thumb still bothering him immensely he sat on the bench wearing a suit when Game 5 tipped off. The Bulls are 0-3 since he got injured/
Dwyane Wade had a turn back the clock moment with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists but Jimmy Butler didn't come through and was held to just 14 points on 6-for-15 shooting. After shooting 23 free throws in Game 4, Butler shot just one in Game 5.
"I was trying to eliminate letting Jimmy Butler get to the free throw line. That was my goal this game, and I feel like I did it, "Bradley, who was Butler's primary defender, told the Associated press.
Isaiah Canaan started at point guard in place of Rondo. He went 6-of-11 from the field for 13 points but he had zero assists against four turnovers. (HDS)
Photo: Avery Bradley was a workhorse on both ends of the floor on Wednesday night, helping the Celtics beat the Bulls in Game 5 of their opening round series.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
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