Celtics’ defense stymies Bulls in 111-82 home win

The Boston Celtics showcased their suffocating defense and balanced scoring attack in a 111-82 rout of the rebuilding Chicago Bulls .

The Celtics (8-6) fell behind 24-19 after one quarter on Wednesday night at the TD Garden in Boston, with Jabari Parker leading the way for the visitors with 14 points.

But it was all downhill from there for both Parker and the Bulls, who trailed 51-35 at halftime. Nine different Celtics players combined for 32 points in the second quarter, when Boston took the lead for good.

The Celtics slightly stretched their lead to 18 points by the end of the third quarter before pouring it on by outscoring the Bulls 34-23 over the game’s final 12 minutes.

Jaylen Brown led the way for the Celtics with 18 points, while star point guard Kyrie Irving added 17.

Boston held Chicago’s players to just 39 percent shooting from the field and also was effecting in going from defense to offense, turning 22 Bulls turnovers into 22 points.

Reserve guard Shaquille Harrison led the Bulls (4-11) with 16 points, while Parker did not score after the first quarter and finished with 14.