Payton Pritchard Shines as Celtics Cruise Past Bulls

Celtics' sixth man sparks team to 124-105 win over Chicago before All-Star break

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Boston Celtics delivered a commanding 124-105 win against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday at TD Garden, improving their record to 35-19 this season. Payton Pritchard, the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year, came off the bench to score 26 points, dish out 8 assists, and grab 5 rebounds, setting the tone early for the Celtics. Jaylen Brown added 24 points, while recent acquisition Nikola Vucevic recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Why it matters

The Celtics' decisive victory over the Bulls solidifies their standing and momentum as they enter the All-Star break, with players like Pritchard, Brown, and Vucevic showcasing the team's depth and potential for continued success in the remainder of the season.

The details

Payton Pritchard's fiery start helped the Celtics establish a substantial lead that they maintained comfortably throughout the game. Jaylen Brown, who will represent the team as an All-Star starter in the upcoming festivities in Los Angeles, contributed 24 points. Nikola Vucevic, a recent addition to the team, impressed with a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds, shooting efficiently at 7-for-12 from the field and sinking four of five three-point attempts.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • The game marked the final contest before the NBA All-Star break.

The players

Payton Pritchard

The reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year, who came off the bench to spark the Celtics with 26 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds.

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' All-Star starter, who contributed 24 points to the team's tally.

Nikola Vucevic

A recent addition to the Celtics, who recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc.

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What’s next

The Celtics will have a week-long pause for the NBA All-Star break before returning to action, aiming to maintain their position among the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

The Celtics' decisive victory over the Bulls, led by strong performances from players like Payton Pritchard, Jaylen Brown, and Nikola Vucevic, underscores the team's depth and potential for continued success in the remainder of the season as they enter the All-Star break.