Defending their turf

The Celtics took up defensively against Chicago Friday night where they left off in their season-opener. After holding Cleveland to 35 second-half points in a 90-85 victory Tuesday, the Celtics held the Bulls to 31 first-half points.

The Bulls did not actually have a shot connect with the net until Luol Deng's 17-footer cut the deficit to 13-8 6:36 into the contest. The Bulls were zero for eight from the field until Kevin Garnett's goaltend 5:41 into the game. And the Bulls concluded the quarter as Joakim Noah's follow rolled off the rim, their 19th miss in 23 attempts. The Celtics' reserves set a similar tone to start the second quarter, the Bulls failing to convert a field goal for 4:41. The Bulls concluded the half with more fouls (15) and nearly as many turnovers (nine) as field goals (10 for 45), the Celtics taking a 49-31 lead on Rajon Rondo's foul shot with seven seconds remaining.