CHICAGO - Aaron Brooks scored 19 fourth quarter points (26 overall) but the Bulls furious late comeback attempt came up short as Chicago fell 106-101 to the Celtics Saturday night at the United Center.
After opening the game in a 12-2 hole the Bulls used an 11-2 run and three of five from downtown by Mike Dunleavy to comeback and take a 25-20 lead at the end of the first.
Despite a 20-12 points in the paint first half advantage for Chicago, the Celtics retook the lead in the second quarter and led the Bulls 56-41 at the break.
The Bulls cut a 19 point second half deficit to two with under a minute in the fourth but fell for just the second time on the season.
Pau Gasol scored 19 points and Jimmy Butler added 16 for the Bulls now 5-2 on the season.
The Bulls concluded a four games in five nights stretch, winning three. Next, the Bulls host the Pistons Monday night at the United Center.