NBA: Chicago 77, Philadelphia 69 CHICAGO, May 9 (UPI) -- Luol Deng led Chicago with 24 points Tuesday and the Bulls beat Philadelphia 77-69 to avoid elimination in their Eastern Conference playoff series. The Bulls, who were without starting point guard Derrick Rose and center Joakim Noah, held the 76ers to 32.1-percent shooting. Deng hit four of Chicago's five 3-pointers and Carlos Boozer added 19 points and 13 rebounds. The Bulls went to the free-throw line only 11 times and made four, but shot 41.5 percent from the field. Chicago built upon a nine-point halftime lead and held the Sixers in check during the second half. Jrue Holiday led the lackluster Philadelphia offense with 16 points. The Sixers can close out the series by winning Game 6 Thursday in Philadelphia.