In a refreshing display of sportsmanship that has won over NBA fans across the league, Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan delivered a postgame interview after his team’s 115-101 loss to the Boston Celtics on January 5, 2026, that stood out for all the right reasons.
Instead of pointing fingers or making excuses, Donovan chose grace, praise, and accountability – earning widespread respect in a league often filled with post-loss tension.
“It was truly an amazing game,” Donovan told reporters in the locker room at TD Garden. “It’s a shame for those who couldn’t watch it. Our team gave their best, and no player made any mistakes, but we can’t deny that the Boston Celtics played exceptionally well.
They truly deserved the win. I’m really impressed with two players from the Boston Celtics. I’ve never seen anyone as perfect as they are.”
The comment hung in the air for a moment before Donovan revealed the names that left everyone – from reporters to players tuning in – completely stunned: Anfernee Simons and Payton Pritchard.
Yes, the Bulls coach singled out two role players who stepped up massively in the absence of superstar Jayson Tatum, calling their performances “perfect” in a game where they combined for 48 points, all while shooting lights-out from beyond the arc.
The matchup itself lived up to Donovan’s billing as an “amazing game,” even if the final score suggested a comfortable Celtics victory. Boston dominated early, holding Chicago to a measly 33 points in the first half – the fewest the Celtics had allowed in any half this season.
The Bulls threatened a historic low, nearly matching their franchise-record worst half (23 points back in 1999), but fought back in the second half with a late surge that cut the lead to single digits before Boston pulled away.
Anfernee Simons was the undisputed star of the night, exploding for all 27 of his points in the second half on scorching efficiency. The guard, acquired in offseason moves to bolster Boston’s backcourt depth amid Tatum’s ongoing Achilles recovery, drained threes at will and attacked the rim with aggression.
Payton Pritchard complemented him perfectly, adding 21 points off the bench, including several timely triples that kept Chicago at bay.
Together, Simons and Pritchard went 12-for-21 from three-point range, providing the spacing and scoring punch that has kept the Celtics afloat without their franchise cornerstone.
Neemias Queta chipped in a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Boston crushed the Bulls 20-6 on offensive boards – a stat that underscored their relentless energy.
For the Bulls, playing shorthanded without key contributors like Josh Giddey (hamstring), Matas Buzelis led the charge with 26 points in a valiant effort.
Chicago shot poorly early, missing 20 of their first 23 attempts from deep, but showed heart in the fourth quarter, briefly making it interesting with a run fueled by Nikola Vucevic and Jevon Carter’s late threes.
Yet, it was Donovan’s postgame remarks that stole the headlines. In an era where coaches often deflect blame or highlight officiating, the veteran bench boss took the high road.
He praised his own players for leaving it all on the floor with “no mistakes,” refusing to throw anyone under the bus despite the defensive lapses that allowed Boston’s guards to feast.
Then came the bombshell praise for Simons and Pritchard. “I’ve never seen anyone as perfect as they are,” Donovan said, emphasizing their flawless decision-making, shot selection, and defensive effort.
Sources say the comment caught even Celtics staff off guard – not because it was undeserved, but because opposing coaches rarely lavish such effusive admiration on non-superstars.
Social media exploded immediately. #BillyDonovanClassAct trended nationwide, with fans from both sides lauding his humility. One viral post read: “In a league full of excuses, Billy Donovan just gave us pure class.
Respect.” Celtics Nation embraced it too, with replies like “Even the opposing coach knows Simons and Pritchard are cooking without JT!”
Analysts pointed out the deeper context: Boston has thrived at 23-12 despite Tatum’s absence, leaping into second place in the East with this fourth straight win.
The depth – highlighted by Simons’ emergence and Pritchard’s consistent spark – has silenced early doubters who questioned how the defending champs would fare without their All-NBA forward.
Donovan’s words also humanized the defeat for Bulls fans enduring a 17-19 slide into ninth place. By focusing on effort and crediting the opponent, he shifted the narrative from frustration to motivation.
Insiders say players appreciated the shield, with one anonymous Bull noting, “Coach always has our back – that’s why we fight for him.”
This wasn’t the first time Donovan has shown such poise. Known for his player development acumen from stints at Florida and Oklahoma City, he’s built a reputation for accountability without alienation. But singling out Simons and Pritchard as “perfect” elevated the moment, reminding everyone why basketball transcends wins and losses.
As the Celtics prepare for their next test against Denver, and the Bulls head to Detroit licking wounds, Donovan’s interview serves as a feel-good antidote in a competitive league.
It stunned the basketball world not with drama, but with decency – proving that sometimes, the real highlight comes after the buzzer.
In a season full of superteams and superstars, two unsung guards delivered perfection, and an opposing coach made sure the world knew it. What a night for the NBA.
