Jimmy Butler scores 53 in 24-point OT comeback over Sixers
Jimmy Butler couldn't be stopped Thursday night, as he posted a career-high 53 points in the Chicago Bulls' 115-111 overtime win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Bulls overcame a 24-point deficit after a lethargic first half Thursday, with Butler going 15-of-30 from the field and 21-of-25 from the line. He also collected 10 rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
The shooting guard was at his best when it mattered most, netting 17 of his 53 in the fourth quarter and overtime.
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Butler was forced to carry the scoring load with fellow starters Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol resting, logging 49 minutes. He was visibly exhausted entering the overtime period, stopping to catch his breath while bent over with his hands on his knees.
This is the second time Butler has scored over 40 points this calendar year, having broken Michael Jordan's record for the highest-scoring half in Bulls history during a win over the Toronto Raptors.
Butler is averaging 22.2 points - 12th in the NBA - to go along with 4.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.
Jimmy Butler is the first Bull to have a 50 point, 5 rebound, 5 assist game since Michael Jordan in 1993.
— NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2016
The victory snaps a three-game losing skid for the Bulls, who are third in the Eastern Conference with a 23-15 record.