Bulls stretch winning streak to seven games with victory over Indiana…
Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler stepped up late against the Indiana Pacers to ensure that the visitors didn’t surrender a commanding 21-point lead.
Butler drained a 3-pointer with 1:07 remaining that put the Bulls ahead for good, but after being outscored 25-11 in the fourth quarter, it became a nervy ending for Chicago after dominating to that point.
The Bulls guard ended the game with 27 points and nine rebounds in another stellar performance while Pau Gasol added 20 points along with Derrick Rose’s 17 as Chicago improve to 22-9 behind their seventh consecutive win.
“Derrick (Rose) is always on me to shoot and to shoot 3’s and be aggressive,” Butler said.
“I’m confident in my game, so I feel like I have to step up and take and make shots late.”
Chris Copeland scored 13 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t quite enough for the Pacers to avoid another loss as they slip to 11-21.
Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, the Washington Wizards also won with an impressive road victory over the Houston Rockets.
Bradley Beal put up 33 points and five rebounds while Paul Pierce added 21 points as John Wall finished with 13 points and a game-high 12 assists for the Wizards who got their third straight win to open a five-game road trip.
Washington improved to 22-8 despite 33 points from James Harden while Corey Brewer added 15 as the Rockets fall to 21-9 after dropping their third straight game.
In the game of the night, the Milwaukee Bucks eventually overcame the Charlotte Hornets in overtime with Giannis Antetokounmpo filling the stat sheet with 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
Brandon Knight scored 18 points including a lay-up to force OT, while it was a real team effort from Jason Kidd’s men as they improve to 16-16 despite the injury setbacks that they have suffered so far this year.
NBA Results:
Milwaukee Bucks 104-94 Charlotte Hornets
Chicago Bulls 92-90 Indiana Pacers
Sacramento Kings 99-107 Brooklyn Nets
Orlando Magic 102-101 Miami Heat
Washington Wizards 104-103 Houston Rockets
Utah Jazz 97-101 Los Angeles Clippers
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