NBA: Bulls beat Celtics to boost playoff chances

John Salmons scored 38 points and the Chicago Bulls moved into playoff position with a month remaining in the season with a 127-121 victory over defending NBA champion Boston here on Tuesday.

The Celtics fell to 50-18, just one-half game ahead of Orlando for the second-best record in the Eastern Conference and third-best overall.

Chicago's Brad Miller added 21 points and Tim Thomas had 18 for the Bulls, who improved to 31-37, moving one-half game ahead of Milwaukee for the last playoff position in the East.

"We're in a playoff race," Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. "Guys have to respond to the opportunity in front of us."

Paul Pierce scored 37 points to lead the Celtics, who also had 26 points and 10 assists from Rajon Rondo, 17 points from Ray Allen and 14 points and 10 rebounds from Kendrick Perkins.