Bulls' star Jimmy Butler posted a career-high 53 points as Chicago (23-15) came from behind to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers (4-37) in overtime.
Butler led the way for the Bulls, attempting a season-high 30 shots and going 21 of 25 from the free-throw line. The All-Star's insane outing tied him for highest-scoring performance of the 2015-16 season, matching the 53 points dropped by Golden State's Steph Curry back on Halloween. He was simply a man on a mission Thursday, adding 10 rebounds, six assists, and three steals to go with the scoring outburst. Since the start of the new year, Butler has taken his game to the next level. The superstar is now averaging 30.6 points per game in the month of January, and has also taken on a role as a distributor, averaging 6.5 assists per game in addition.
Aside from Butler, the Bulls struggled on the floor. Starting point guard Derrick Rose sat out with left knee tendinitis, and backup Kirk Hinrich managed just five points and four assists in 32 minutes of play. Power forward Nikola Mirotic, meanwhile, shot a paltry 2 of 13 from the field. In the end, however, Butler was simply too superb for the Bulls to fall short.
For Philadelphia, meanwhile, the loss comes in heartbreaking fashion for a team in desparate need of a win. The Sixers are on track for a historically poor season, as they now sit at 4-37 despite leading the Bulls by 24 points midway through the game. Philadelphia was disadvantaged, as sophomore Nerlens Noel was forced to come off the bench due to stomach problems. Noel was still able to put up eight points, six rebounds, and three blocks in 24 minutes of play. Recent addition Ish Smith had a strong outing, posting 24 points and eight assists, while forward Robert Covington came out of a slump to post 25 points.
Philadelphia next faces Portland at home on Saturday. Chicago, meanwhile, has a back-to-back, and faces Dallas at home on Friday.
