Pippen Pulls Out All Stops in Bulls’ Win

Soaring and slamming after forceful forays to the basket, Scottie Pippen seems all the way back for the Chicago Bulls.

At first reluctant to go inside after missing the season’s first 35 games because of a foot injury, Pippen has been at his aggressive best recently.

Monday night’s 111-88 victory over the Boston Celtics was a perfect illustration, as 14 of his 27 points came on high-flying dunks.

“I think he’s totally comfortable now extending himself, taking off on his feet and taking the ball to the basket,” said Coach Phil Jackson, whose Bulls have a six-game winning streak.

Since Pippen’s return, the Bulls have gone 28-6 and built the NBA’s best record (52-17).

Pippen had six assists in one of his best all-around games and grabbed 11 boards as the Bulls outrebounded Boston 46-27.

“He’s getting his rhythm back,” said Michael Jordan, who scored 24 points. “It’s very obvious: When he’s on his rhythm, that sets the tone for us. He certainly gives me a little breather. We’ve been tag-teaming it pretty well lately.”

Antoine Walker scored 26 points, but Boston still lost for the seventh time in eight games. The Celtics, who lead the NBA in turnovers forced, hurt themselves with 22 giveaways leading to 34 Chicago points.

Dallas 91, Minnesota 87--Hubert Davis came off the bench to score 10 of his 16 points during a 20-2 fourth-quarter run as the Mavericks rallied past the Timberwolves at Dallas.

Michael Finley had 27 points and Shawn Bradley had 16 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks for the Mavericks, who won for the third time in four games.

Anthony Peeler had 23 points for the Timberwolves, losers of five of their last seven games.

Seattle 109, Sacramento 83--Gary Payton scored 24 points and Hersey Hawkins broke a two-game scoreless drought with 16 points at Seattle as the SuperSonics ended a two-game losing streak.

The Sonics (51-17) moved half a game ahead of the Utah Jazz (50-17) in the battle for best record in the Western Conference.

The Kings, playing without leading scorer Mitch Richmond (sore right knee), lost their eighth game in a row.

Detroit 94, Philadelphia 79--Allen Iverson was held to a career-low four points as the Pistons, behind 20 points from Joe Dumars, won at Philadelphia.

Iverson shot only two for 14 for the Sixers, who rallied from three 16-point deficits but could never catch the Pistons, who won their third consecutive game.

Grant Hill had 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Brian Williams had 14 points and 13 rebounds as Detroit won its third in a row.