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January 4, 2017

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Butler scores 52 to lift Bulls

JIMMY Butler scored 52 points and the Chicago Bulls started 2017 off right with a 118-111 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday.

With a clash with the National Basketball Association champions Cleveland Cavaliers looming tomorrow, the Bulls snapped a two-game skid, posting just a fourth victory in their last 12 games.

The turnaround was down to Butler, whose 52 points were one shy of his career high. He added 12 rebounds and six assists, carrying his team with veteran guard Dwyane Wade sidelined by a swollen knee and point guard Rajon Rondo benched by coach Fred Hoiberg.

“I think it’s an understatement to say Jimmy was phenomenal tonight,” Hoiberg said of Butler, who made 15 of 24 attempts from the field and 21 of 22 free throws. “He did it every which way.”

Butler poured in 17 points in the fourth quarter, when the Bulls out-scored the Hornets 36-26.

“I was just playing basketball,” Butler said. “I just had a groove.”

Butler became the latest player to record a 50-point performance as the NBA appears headed for a record-breaking season. He became the eighth player this season to achieve more than 50-points in a game, tying the single season record.

Houston’s James Harden scored 53 points two days ago, while Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook, Boston’s Isaiah Thomas, Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins, Washington’s John Wall, New Orleans’ Anthony Davis and Golden State’s Klay Thompson have all also achieved what was once a rare feat.

Elsewhere on Monday, it was: Cavaliers 90, Pelicans 82; Bucks 98, Thunder 94; Magic 115, Knicks 103; Jazz 101, Nets 89; Rockets 101, Wizards 91; Warriors 127, Nuggets 119; and Clippers 109, Suns 98.




 

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