CHICAGO, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Ron Mercer hit a turnaround jumper to snap a tie with 1:24 remaining and added a free throw with 7.2 seconds left Saturday night as the Chicago Bulls ended the Boston Celtics' six-game winning streak, 87-84.
Boston had a chance to tie, but Paul Pierce's three-pointer came up short and Charles Oakley handed the rebound to Greg Anthony to seal the victory.
The Celtics led, 55-39, after Antoine Walker hit a three-pointer with 9:55 to play in the third quarter. But the Bulls came back to tie it at 70-70 entering the final period.
Chicago took its first lead of the game, 83-82, on a free throw by Marcus Fizer with 3:13 to go. After Fizer made his second shot from the line, Boston's Eric Williams hit a short jumper while falling after being fouled to tie it.
Williams missed the ensuing free throw with 2:40 left, Mercer broke the tie with his jumper and Boston did not score thereafter.
The Bulls (4-15), who had a 56-42 rebounding edge, placed six players in double figures. Brad Miller led the way with 20 points and 16 rebounds and Anthony added 14 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Walker had 27 points and 10 boards for Boston, which also got 12 points from Pierce.
Chicago snapped a three-game losing streak against Boston and avenged a 96-82 road defeat on Nov. 2.
