Joakim Noah had more to scream about than House in tonights96-83 L.

Boston scored the first hoop of the game, but played from behind the rest of the game on their way to a 96-83 loss. Tonight’s Boston Celtics were a  tired, lethargic team and were thoroughly outplayed by the visiting Chicago Bulls.

Following a familiar script, the Celtics were outrebounded 50-39, gave up 15 offensive rebounds, and committed 18 turnovers. Loul Deng led a determined Bulls team with 25 points while Joakim Noah grabbed 11 rebounds, and Derrick Rose added 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Chicago, 8-3 over their last 11 games, and Boston, 4-6 over their last 10 games, are two teams moving in opposite directions. Chicago is hot and recovering from injuries, while Boston is just trying to tread water while Kevin Garnett, Rasheed Wallace, and Marquis Daniels remain injured.

Perkins alone among the Celtics starters brought his ‘A’ game, finishing with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 swats. Starting guards Rondo, Allen, and Pierce shot a combined 16-42. Boston kept it close all game long, but they couldn’t hit enough shots to get over the hump and were outworked by the hungry Bulls.