Boozer helps Bulls oust Hawks

Carlos Boozer scored 23 points and Derrick Rose added 19 points and 12 assists last night as the visiting Chicago Bulls beat the Atlanta Hawks 93-73, in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series and earned the right to face the Miami Heat.

Chicago advanced to its first conference finals since 1998, when Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were on their way to a second three-peat.

Boozer went 10-for-16 from the field, grabbed 10 rebounds and handed out five assists.

Celtics, Rivers near deal

The Celtics are working on a deal with coach Doc Rivers that would bring him back for another run at an NBA title with Boston's aging Big Three -- and then keep him on the bench to work with the rebuilt roster that is expected to follow.

The two sides are nearing agreement on a deal for "more than two or three years," a person with knowledge of the negotiations said.

-- AP