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BOSTON – Before the game, David Lee was asked a series of questions about moving on from the Warriors’ championship run.  Something clearly clicked, because he resembled more Draymond Green than the plodding and struggling Lee from the previous few weeks.

Although Jae Crowder was having a strong game through three quarters, coach Brad Stevens elected to stick with a front court featuring Evan Turner, Lee and Jared Sullinger for most of the fourth quarter. It blew open a stagnating game with a 12-6 run in the first 7:16, featuring an ironic blend of high pressure transition offense and incisive drive and kick passing. As the Celtics went back to their starting lineup, while flexing in Crowder as a stretch four, they continued to keep the pace high and execute on offense.

After Jared Sullinger hit a 20-foot pick and pop jumper with a minute left that had him pointing to the rafters for 20 seconds straight, Fred Hoiberg called timeout.  The Bulls came back out on fire, with Jimmy Butler scoring 5 unanswered points to cut the lead to four and foul Amir Johnson out of the game.  Time ran out for the Bulls, as the Celtics won out through the free throw game.

Isaiah Thomas drove the lane hard and...READ MORE

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