Key points from the Celtics versus Bulls game: The Celtics showcased their depth in a clear-cut win.

On Thursday evening, the Boston Celtics resumed their winning streak post-All-Star break with a victory over the Chicago Bulls. Boston appeared rejuvenated from the outset, establishing a commanding lead of up to 16 points in a notably strong first quarter, excelling on both offense and defense. Notably, the team achieved a season-high of six blocks in a single quarter while limiting Chicago to 23 points.

However, the Bulls rallied in the second quarter, scoring 39 points and overturning Boston’s lead to go up by three at halftime. Fortunately for the Celtics, Chicago couldn’t contain Boston’s efficient offense for the remainder of the game. The Celtics reclaimed the lead early in the third quarter and maintained their momentum, ultimately securing a 129-112 victory, marking their seventh consecutive win.

Derrick White led the scoring with 28 points, closely followed by Jayson Tatum with 25 and Jaylen Brown with 21. Nikola Vucevic and Coby White led the Bulls’ scoring efforts with 22 and 20 points, respectively.

The Celtics (44-12) are set to face the New York Knicks (33-22) at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. Before this matchup, here are three notable takeaways from Thursday’s game:

1. Derrick White’s stellar performance on both offense and defense, highlighted by his impressive block stats in the first quarter, indicates a potential All-Defensive selection.

2. Boston’s offensive prowess proved overwhelming for Chicago, with various players contributing significantly to the team’s success, exemplifying the challenge opponents face in defending against the Celtics’ multifaceted lineup.

3. Xavier Tillman and Jaden Springer made their debuts for the Celtics, showcasing their skills and potential contributions to the team’s roster following recent acquisitions. Tillman notably scored his first points and demonstrated defensive prowess with a block during his brief appearance.