Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics, Isaiah Thomas
Feb 1, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden. USA TODAY Sports / Winslow Townson

The Boston Celtics (53-29) out-scored the Chicago Bulls (41-41) by a 29-16 margin in the fourth quarter to complete a 108-97 victory in Wednesday's Game 5 at the TD Garden. With the victory, the Celtics asserted a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven first-round playoff series with a possible Game 7 back at home.

After losing the first two games at home, the Celtics have bounced back with three consecutive victories to reclaim home advantage in the best-of-seven series. If the Bulls can draw level on Saturday, the teams will return to Boston for a possible Game 7 next week.

Prior to the game, there were reports of Rajon Rondo possibly returning to Chicago's starting lineup. However, the veteran point guard, nursing a thumb injury, wasn't cleared on the day of the game. Though Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg started fourth-year journeyman Isaiah Canaan at the 1 spot, veteran star Dwyane Wade played de facto point guard Wednesday as the Bulls stayed competitive through the first three quarters.

During the final five minutes of the fourth quarter, Wade and Robin Lopez were called for technical fouls 32 seconds apart as the Celtics ran away with a 20-5 run to close out the game. Wade finished with an impressive tally of 26 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists while All-Star Jimmy Butler shot a disappointing 6/15 from the field for his 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists from 39 minutes on the floor.

For the Celtics, the backcourt duo of Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley scored 24 points apiece while centre Al Horford added 21 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists. Jae Crowder had a poor shooting night but played lockdown defense on Butler and the other Bulls wings. Centre Kelly Olynyk added 14 points off the bench. The 2017 NBA Playoffs will continue Thursday as the Toronto Raptors travel to Milwaukee Bucks for Game 6 of their first-round series. The San Antonio Spurs will try to close out the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 6 of their best-of-seven series.

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