Celtics blow 19-point lead, end up losing by 14 to Bulls

The Boston Celtics blew a 19-point lead and ended up losing by double digits to the Chicago Bulls Monday night, 128-114. An epic fourth quarter collapse turned to embarrassment, as Chicago ultimately pulled away for the 14-point win.

After a 35-34 first quarter, the Celtics outscored the Bulls 68-55 in quarters 2 and 3. They built their lead to as high as 94-75 in the third quarter. But from that point, the Bulls went on a 53-20 run to close the game out.

Veteran forward DeMar DeRozan led the way for the Bulls with 37 points, carving up the Celtics with his trademark mid-range game to the tune of 15-for-20 from the floor. Zach LaVine scored only four points in the first half but ended up with 26, including 13 in the fourth quarter.

The Celtics lost despite 28 points from Jaylen Brown, 20 from Jayson Tatum, and 20 from Al Horford. The Bulls' bench also outscored the Celtics 36-24, led by 14 points from Ayo Dosunmo, who was 6-for-6 from the field.

Boston will have to get over the deflating loss quickly, as they are slated for three more games in the next five days. They'll get back at it on Wednesday night in a road tilt against the Orlando Magic.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.