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

Joe Rodgers

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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