Boston 89, Chicago 100 - Effort Not There as Celtics Fall in Chicago

To win in the NBA, it takes effort. The Boston Celtics did not bring enough effort, losing to the Chicago Bulls, 100-89.

The Celtics were able to keep things close through three quarters, but let things get away from them in the final frame.

There was just a supreme lack of defensive intensity all night, as the Bulls scored 55 points in the first half. The Bulls were quicker to the ball, particularly around the basket.

Boston allowed a grotesque 48 points in the paint. Keep in mind, the Bulls scored only 71 points the night before against Memphis.

Rajon Rondo was the only player who truly displayed a real effort to win Tuesday night. With the game appearing to get away from the Celtics numerous times throughout the game, Rondo seemed to always put together a run single-handidly to keep his team in it.

He scored a season-high 26 points and hit everything from fast break layups, mid-range jumpers and even a couple threes. Rondo added eight assists and gave up three turnovers.

Elsewhere, Paul Pierce scored 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Courtney Lee matched Pierce's shooting, but came away with just 14.

The Celtics gave up a triple-double to Joakim Noah (11 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists) and a double-double to Carlos Boozer (21 points, 12 rebounds).

Chicago improves to 14-10 on the season and evens the season series with the Celtics. Boston falls to 12-12, but returns to the TD Garden Wednesday night to face the Cleveland Cavaliers.