Blogs.Bulls.com

The first two games in the opening round series between Boston and Chicago went down to the wire. But in Game 3, the visiting Celtics took control early and never looked back, cruising to a 107-86 victory to take a 2-1 edge in the series.

Paul Pierce finished the game with 24 points, but it was his effectiveness early that gave the Celtics a lead they never relinquished. The Boston forward recorded 13 points in the first quarter, knocking down all but one of his first seven shots as the Celtics jumped out to an 11-point lead. Point guard Rajon Rondo was effective again with 20 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Glen Davis added 14 points and nine boards.

Ben Gordon (15 points), John Salmons (14) and Kirk Hinrich (14) led the Bulls, who were plagued by 22 turnovers and shot only 37.5 percent from the field.

The series continues when Game 4 tips off on Sunday at noon in Chicago (airing on ABC) before shifting back to Boston for Tuesday’s Game 5.