Jimmy Butler comes up big for Bulls when they need him most

Joe Rodgers

Jimmy Butler comes up big for Bulls when they need him most image

Bulls guard Jimmy Butler scored nine points in the final 2:30 to lead Chicago to a 101-99 win over the Nets on Wednesday.

Butler matched his season high with 40 points and hit an 18-footer at the buzzer to lead the way in the comeback win.

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Butler was perfect on all 11 of his attempts from the free-throw line and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Bulls overcame a seven-point deficit in the final three minutes for their second consecutive win. Butler joined Anthony Davis (2014-15), Blake Griffin (2014-15) and Dwyane Wade (2008-09) as the only players the past 10 seasons with 40 points and a game-winning buzzer-beater in the same game. 

"I said get the hell out of his way and let him go to work," Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters after the game.

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Stud of the day

The Wizards grabbed their seventh straight home win, a 111-105 victory over the Pacers, thanks in part to John Wall's 36 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Wall is the first Wizards guard with a 35-point, 10-rebound game since Michael Jordan (Feb. 2003 against Rockets). 

Dud of the day

Knicks All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony was ejected against the Hawks after a flagrant 2 foul. Anthony hit Atlanta's Thabo Sefolosha in the face with his right arm and appeared to choke his neck while going up for a rebound. Anthony could be subject to a fine or suspension prior to Friday's game against the Pelicans.

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Highlights

Marreese Speights posterized Tyreke Evans, but the Pelicans got the 102-98 win over the Clippers. 

DeMar DeRozan passed Chris Bosh as the Raptors' all-time leading scorer with this bucket.

What's next

Thunder (20-12) at Grizzlies (20-14), 8 p.m. ET: Russell Westbrook and the Thunder will look for their sixth win in seven games against a slumping Grizzlies squad fresh off a loss to the dismal Magic. Seeking his 15th triple-double of the season, Westbrook is averaging 36.5 points, 12.2 assists and 11.2 rebounds over his last six games.

Joe Rodgers