Jimmy Butler scored a career-high 53 points in a 115-111 overtime win against the Philadelphia 76ers last night as both Pau Gasol and Derrick Rose sat out with injuries. Butler also had 10 rebounds and six assists, and he made 15 of 30 field goals and 21 of 25 free throws to help the Bulls snap a three-game losing streak. His previous career high was 43 points on Dec. 18 in a four-overtime game against Detroit.
Michael Jordan is the only other Bulls player in the last 30 years to put up at least 50 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a game. Butler, once considered a rising young talent, seems intent on being referred to simply as one of the top players in the NBA, period. The four highest-scoring games of Butlers career have all occurred this season.
His 53 points tied league MVP Steph Curry for the highest single-game point total this year.
