01:00 AM EST on Monday, March 27, 2006

BY SHALISE MANZA YOUNG
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Kendrick Perkins yesterday had his best game since returning to the Celtics' lineup on March 12, grabbing 14 rebounds, blocking 5 shots and scoring 8 points against the Bulls.

Perhaps more importantly for the center, who missed 13 games with a separated left shoulder, was that he played 23 minutes but had only two fouls.

Perkins said after the game that he was trying to atone for his performance in Friday's loss at Cleveland, after which coach Doc Rivers took him aside.

"He was disappointed in me last game. I did a lot of pouting, thinking too much offense, and he had to tell me my role again. I don't want to let him down," Perkins said.

There wasn't a lot to be disappointed in last night. Five of Perkins' rebounds came on the offensive end, as Boston had 15 offensive boards total. And when he was in the game, Perkins made Chicago think twice about going to the hoop.

"It was a great effort," Ryan Gomes said. "He was changing shots for them."

Perkins is averaging 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game this season.

Rivers to attend funeral

Rivers left the team after the game to travel to Milwaukee for the funeral of his father-in-law tonight. William Campion died on March 18 at the Rivers family home in Orlando, Fla., after a long illness. Rivers is expected to be back with the Celtics for their 10 a.m. practice tomorrow.

Here and there

Chicago guard Chris Duhon suffered a bruised left knee at 4:52 of the fourth quarter when he dived for a loose ball and went over the photographers and the seats along the baseline. He returned with about two minutes to play. . . . Paul Pierce hit what was estimated at around 40 feet to close out the third quarter. The extra-long 3-pointer was taken from inside the Celtics' logo at halfcourt and put Boston up, 78-68, going into the fourth. . . . The Celtics were a 21-for-22 from the free-throw line, a season-best percentage wise (95.5). Over the last two games, they are 34-for-36.

smanza@projo.com / (401) 277-7340