Chicago was unable to handle the Celtics once they ramped up the pressure down the stretch. Joe Mazzulla's team adjusted their defensive pick-up points and began to execute at a higher level than we'd seen throughout the earlier quarters.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket abasing Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, right, during the second half of an Emirates NBA Cup basketball game, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez) AP

Boston, Chicago, and Atlanta are all 2-1 in the Eastern Conference Group C standings. Cleveland is 1-1 and Washington is 0-3. The Bulls will be the Group C champion if they beat the Celtics and the Hawks beat the Cavaliers. Chicago owns the tiebreaker over Atlanta based on its head-to-head victory.