In a game of wild swings, the Bulls managed to dig out of a big early hole but ultimately saw the Celtics take the edge back to defeat Chicago 104-95, tying up the series after 4 games.
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Boston Celtics wing Gerald Green had an enormous performance Sunday in Game 4 against the Chicago Bulls.
For the Bulls, whose 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series is gone, there was the point guard who didn’t play, Rajon Rondo, and the three who did.
James finished with 33 points and 10 rebounds as he became the first player under the current playoff format to win 21 straight first-round games. Al Horford also had a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The key to the first quarter was the energy Green was able to provide, getting his second straight start.
Game 5 between the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics will be on Wednesday in Boston.
Thomas scored 33 points, matching his Game 1 production, but this time he saved the Celtics when they needed it most.
Smart feigned throwing the ball at Butler.
Hoiberg said he has been talking to officials throughout the series, telling them that he feels Thomas is carrying the ball.
He kept attacking the Bulls, jumping on the expressway known as the Bulls’ paint and finishing multiple times against taller defenders to restore order and press the lead back to 10 at the end of the third. Teammates flexed their muscles and pointed at Boston’s 5-foot-9 guard from the sideline as play went back up the court. “I don’t think that will change”. “I can’t recall one time this season where I’ve been called for a carry”.
The last time carrying the ball was considered a real violation in the National Basketball Association was, when, 1965? “We’re not gonna sit here and get in each other’s faces, he’s not about that life”. As long as Rajon Rondo is out with his finger injury, the Bulls’ point guard position will continue to be a liability in this series. Canaan had 3 of them to finish tied with Mirotic as the highest scoring non-Butler with a whopping 13 points.
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This may sound a little like sour grapes, but even if Thomas gets just one or two carries called on him in Game 5, this was a smart move by Hoiberg to make a public complaint like this.
