Butler scores 26 as Bulls beat Thunder 104-98
Jimmy Butler III scored 26 points (14 in the second quarter), and the Chicago Bulls beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 104-98.
Derrick Rose’s 15-foot jumper put the Bulls ahead for good with 2:48 left in the fourth quarter.
The Thunder got within 98-96 on Serge Ibaka’s 12-foot jumper with 1:53 to play, but Rose answered with a 17-foot jumper, and the Thunder got no closer.
Pau Gasol’s hook shot with 38.4 seconds left made it 104-98 and put it away.
During clutch time, the Bulls outscored the Thunder 14-6. Rose scored 10 of the Bulls’ 14 on 4 for 5 shooting and 2 for 2 at the line.
Rose had 29 points and 6 assists.
For the Thunder, Kevin Durant scored 33 points, and Russell Westbrook added 20 points (12 in the paint), 8 rebounds and 10 assists.
The Thunder committed 9 turnovers to the Bulls’ 6. The Bulls’ starters were outscored 26-14 in 10 minutes together.