CHICAGO — The All-Star break landed like a hammer on the Celtics last night, thanks to a pair of Jimmy Butler free throws with 0:00.9 to play.
Marcus Smart, who had made what appeared to be a game-clinching steal at the expense of the Bulls forward seconds earlier, fouled Butler in the process of attempting a last-second 18-footer at the United Center.
The result was a 104-103 victory for the Bulls over the Celtics, who lost for only the second time in the last 13 games.
The Celtics go into the All-Star break with a bitter taste in the mouth following the loss, which took some luster off a benchmark game by Isaiah Thomas.